JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter, Montego Bay (2026)

27/02/2026

The TUI Care Foundation , in partnership with INVEST – (Institute of Vocational Education and Skills Training) recently hosted the TUI Academy Jamaica Certification and Awards Ceremony. Certification was provided in partnership with HEART/NSTA Trust.

The event celebrated the successful completion of training by participants of the TUI Academy Jamaica programme and highlighted the critical role played by Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay chapter members in shaping Jamaica’s next generation of tourism professionals.

At the heart of the programme is a strong on-the-job training component, made possible through the direct support of JHTA member properties. These businesses opened their doors to students, providing structured workplace exposure, mentorship, and real-world hospitality experience. This hands-on training ensured participants not only gained certification, but also practical industry readiness.

Several JHTA member properties received special mention for their outstanding support of the initiative, including RIU Resorts, Royalton Blue Waters & Hideaway, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, and SeaGarden Beach Resort. Their commitment to hosting trainees reinforced the industry’s collective responsibility to invest in talent development.

23/02/2026

The TUI Care Foundation has strengthened its commitment to cultural preservation and creative entrepreneurship with the expansion of its TUI Colourful Cultures programme in Montego Bay, an initiative designed to empower local artists and artisans, help them professionalize their craft, access tourism markets, and preserve Jamaica’s cultural heritage.

A major component of the expansion is a new collaboration with Kingston Creative, which is extending its acclaimed public art programme beyond the capital to Montego Bay. Working alongside partners including S-Hotel, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and local artists, the initiative will introduce large-scale murals designed to transform public spaces into vibrant cultural showcases.

The project will culminate in the development of a curated Artwalk experience in Sam Sharpe Square, envisioned as an immersive cultural trail where residents and visitors can engage directly with Jamaican stories, artistry, and heritage in an open-air setting.

In addition to public art installations, the programme includes storytelling and documentation efforts to preserve community histories and amplify the voices of cultural bearers. Organizers say this approach ensures that tourism growth is rooted in authenticity while providing tangible economic opportunities for creatives.

23/02/2026

Preparations are now in full swing as the resort city readies itself to host one of the island’s most anticipated entertainment experiences, Dream Weekend, which is officially relocating to Montego Bay for its July 30 - August 4, 2026 staging.
The move marks a bold new era for the iconic festival and signals the city’s rising prominence as Jamaica’s premier hub for large-scale lifestyle and entertainment events.

The production team confirms that planning is actively underway in collaboration with key tourism, hospitality, transportation, and municipal stakeholders across the city. Strategic partnerships are being solidified with hotels, attractions, event suppliers, security teams, and local businesses to ensure seamless ex*****on and maximum economic impact for the destination.

Central to the expanded vision is the use of major venues including the Montego Bay Convention Centre, which will support large-capacity events, premium experiences, and curated activations. Organisers note that integrating world-class infrastructure allows for elevated production quality, enhanced guest comfort, and the ability to host larger international audiences.

The festival, long associated with Negril, is being reimagined under the theme “MoBay Will Be a Movie,” promising immersive staging, high-energy performances, and expanded programming across multiple event zones.

21/02/2026

The JHTA stands firm in its commitment to protecting the sustainability, competitiveness, and future growth of Jamaica’s tourism sector.

21/02/2026

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has formally rejected the proposed increase in General Consumption Tax (GCT) on tourism activities, recently tabled in Parliament. The measure would raise the rate from 10% to 15% effective April 1, 2027.

JHTA President Christopher Jarrett stated that the tourism sector is already operating in a highly competitive global environment and warned that a tax increase would raise costs, reduce competitiveness, and weaken demand. The Association stressed that the industry continues to face recovery pressures, rising operating expenses, and market uncertainties, and that additional taxation could slow growth and strain operators across the value chain.

The JHTA also emphasized that tourism is an export industry that earns foreign exchange for Jamaica and should be treated accordingly within the national tax framework. The Association believes the sector’s tax treatment should be reassessed rather than intensified.

The JHTA confirmed that its position reflects consensus among members and stakeholders and reiterated its commitment to advocating for policies that support sustainable growth, resilience, and global competitiveness in Jamaica’s tourism sector.

19/02/2026

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter continues to support events that promote Jamaica’s culture and creative industries while empowering craft vendors while showcasing the city of Montego Bay as a vibrant entertainment hub.

The Chapter is proud to be a sponsor of Mobay Reggae Nights, "DJ Graduation,"a dynamic Reggae Month celebration scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Harmony Beach Park.

Patrons will be treated to a live performance by acclaimed reggae and dancehall artiste Agent Sasco, supported by an energetic lineup of popular DJs and hosts who will deliver a mix of old-school classics and new-school hits. With a dedicated kids’ zone, space for patrons to bring their chairs, and an inviting outdoor atmosphere, the event promises an inclusive experience for all ages.

JHTA Montego Bay Chapter continues to support events that promote Jamaica’s culture and creative industries while empowering craft vendors while showcasing the city of Montego Bay as a vibrant entertainment hub.

The Chapter is proud to be a sponsor of Mobay Reggae Nights, "DJ Graduation,"a dynamic Reggae Month celebration scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Harmony Beach Park.

Patrons will be treated to a live performance by acclaimed reggae and dancehall artiste Agent Sasco, supported by an energetic lineup of popular DJs and hosts who will deliver a mix of old-school classics and new-school hits. With a dedicated kids’ zone, space for patrons to bring their chairs, and an inviting outdoor atmosphere, the event promises an inclusive experience for all ages.

15/02/2026

Western Jamaica’s tourism and philanthropic stakeholders came together on Saturday, February 14th, as Hanover Charities Jamaica successfully staged its flagship annual fundraiser, The Sugar Cane Ball, under the theme “One Love Ball” at the Round Hill Hotel & Villas.

The highly anticipated charity event has become a signature calendar occasion within the Montego Bay tourism community, attracting corporate leaders, hoteliers, philanthropists, and community stakeholders united by a shared mission: rebuilding schools impacted across western Jamaica.

Proceeds from the Sugar Cane Ball, the primary fundraising initiative of Hanover Charities, will support the rebuilding of schools severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which caused major damage to approximately half of affected institutions. Funds will assist with restoring classrooms, replacing educational materials, and ensuring safe learning environments for students.

Reports indicate that approximately 50 percent of schools in the region sustained major damage, while others experienced minor to moderate structural and resource losses. Funds raised will help restore classrooms, replace educational materials, and provide essential supplies so students can safely return to learning environments that are equipped, secure, and inspiring.

Saturday’s gala reinforced the power of tourism-driven philanthropy, demonstrating how hospitality platforms can mobilize resources and awareness for national development priorities.

Founded in 1957, Hanover Charities is one of western Jamaica’s longest-standing and most respected charitable organizations, known for its hands-on community development initiatives and transparent donor engagement.

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10/02/2026

Jamaica continues to stand out as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling tourism investment destinations, driven by consistent visitor demand, resilience in the face of global and regional shocks, and a clear strategy to strengthen its position in the global luxury travel market. This investment appeal has been reinforced by Spanish investors behind Excellence Oyster Bay, who have announced plans for a significant long-term expansion of their operations on the island.

The expansion will see Excellence Oyster Bay triple its existing room capacity and develop four additional hotels along Jamaica’s north coast over the next decade. The project is expected to add approximately 2,000 rooms to the destination, increasing Jamaica’s share of high-value luxury inventory and strengthening its competitiveness among leading international resort destinations.

Development will begin immediately, with the first phase focusing on expanding the resort’s highly sought-after Beach Bungalows by the end of 2026. Additional phases will introduce new villas and upgraded luxury offerings designed to align with evolving global travel preferences for experiential, high-end, and family-oriented tourism.

The destination has demonstrated notable resilience, including a rapid recovery following Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing investor confidence in the sector’s stability and adaptability.

The Spanish investors have committed approximately US$8 million toward staff housing and social amenities, with further expansion planned as employment grows. This approach reinforces Jamaica’s reputation for balancing investment growth with human capital development, an important differentiator in today’s global tourism landscape.

Chief Executive Officer Antonio de Montaner reaffirmed the group’s confidence in Jamaica, citing strong performance indicators, a supportive investment climate, and the island’s ability to support diversified luxury brands. Plans are also underway to introduce the family-oriented Finest brand to Jamaica by 2028 or early 2029, further expanding the country’s luxury tourism offering.

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16/01/2026

Montego Bay is entering an exciting new era of upscale tourism, with several high-profile hotel developments set to redefine the destination’s luxury landscape. From internationally branded lifestyle hotels to large-scale resort investments, the city is positioning itself as a leading Caribbean hub for premium travel experiences.

Below is a description of the groundbreaking projects that are currently underway:

◾Moon Palace The Grand
A $700M luxury resort with 1,200+ rooms, overwater bungalows, multiple restaurants and bars, a large spa, water park, and entertainment attractions — setting a new benchmark for Caribbean resorts.

◾AC Marriott Montego Bay
Montego Bay’s first AC Marriott, located on the Hip Strip with contemporary design, ocean-view rooftop spaces, vibrant social lounges, and flexible event areas for guests and locals.

◾UNICO Hotel Montego Bay
A stylish lifestyle hotel bringing UNICO’s culturally immersive guest experiences to Jamaica’s north coast, blending local flavor with upscale comfort.

◾Ennismore & Accor Hotel at The Pinnacle
Part of The Pinnacle mixed-use development on the Reading Peninsula, this 240-room upscale property joins luxury residences and villas to create an elevated coastal destination.

Together, these developments signal strong investor confidence, expanded employment opportunities, and a renewed focus on high-end, experience-driven tourism in Jamaica’s tourism capital.

Montego Bay isn’t just growing, it’s evolving into a premier luxury travel destination.

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12/01/2026

Hotel Montego Bay has been named Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort for 2026 by the USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Awards, marking another significant international endorsement for Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Owner of the property, Chris Issa, said the award carries added meaning following the challenges faced by the destination after Hurricane Melissa.

“With the after-effects of Melissa, we felt that if we won this award, it would be a good boost for Jamaica and for our tourism industry and we’re so happy that we did,” Issa said.

Congratulating the hotel’s management and staff, Issa noted that this recognition represents the property’s third international tourism award in just three months, underscoring the team’s consistency, resilience, and commitment to excellence during a critical period for the industry.

03/01/2026

Montego Bay welcomed the New Year with renewed energy as patrons turned out in strong numbers across entertainment districts, restaurants, hotels, and commercial centers, signaling a return of business confidence following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in late 2025.

From dining and nightlife venues to hotels and attractions, residents and visitors came together to celebrate the start of 2026, creating a noticeable resurgence in activity throughout the city. New Year’s celebrations reflected more than festivity, they marked a collective moment of renewal for the tourism and business community.
Tourism and commercial operators reported steady patronage during the holiday period, supported by continued air arrivals and visitor movement into the destination. The presence of travelers alongside local patrons reinforced growing confidence in Montego Bay as a safe, welcoming, and resilient tourism hub.

As the city turns the page on the past year, there is much promise of energized and renewed patronage, strengthened partnerships, and a shared vision for continued recovery and growth.

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01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Montego Bay Chapter!

As we welcome the New Year, we wish our members, partners, and the wider community continued resilience, growth, and success. Here’s to new opportunities, strong collaboration, and a vibrant tourism future for Montego Bay.

JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter

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