JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter, Montego Bay (2026)

25/03/2026

Sangster International Airport has resumed its expansion programme following temporary disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, with key infrastructure works now progressing steadily.

The multi-phase development includes the near completion of expanded check-in facilities, designed to improve passenger processing efficiency, as well as the introduction of a new western access entrance aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing overall accessibility to the airport.

Airport operations have returned to full capacity, with all gates reopened and passenger flow normalized. The resumption of works signals a strong recovery effort and reinforces operational resilience within one of the Caribbean’s busiest air transport hubs.

This ongoing expansion forms part of a broader strategic initiative to modernize airport infrastructure, improve the overall passenger experience, and accommodate increasing visitor arrivals to Jamaica. Enhancements are expected to deliver greater efficiency across arrivals and departures while supporting long-term growth in the tourism sector.

22/03/2026

Today, we recognize World Water Day under the global theme: “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter also acknowledges the national theme: “Water for All: Inclusivity and Equity.” This speaks to ensuring every Jamaican, including our neighbouring communities, has fair and reliable access to clean water.

Equitable water access is essential to sustainabilitysupporting healthier communities, protecting our environment, and strengthening key sectors like tourism. When we secure water for all, we build a more resilient and inclusive Jamaica.

08/03/2026

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter extends Happy International Women’s Day to the phenomenal "Women in Tourism. This year's theme, " Give to Gain,"emphasizes that investing in women through mentorship, resources, and opportunities creates a ripple effect.

Thank you for your leadership, resilience and proactive support to drive progress and equality, proving that supporting women strengthens communities and organizations.

05/03/2026

Montego Bay’s tourism sector earned international acclaim at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Award (PATWA) which was held during the PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit, held alongside the global tourism trade show ITB Berlin 2026.

Several tourism leaders and entities from the resort city received top honours for excellence in hospitality and tourism leadership. Among the standout winners are:- S Hotel Montego Bay, which received the PATWA Best Boutique Hotels Authentic Experiences Award (Caribbean) while the hotel’s CEO, Christopher Issa, was recognised with the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica) for his leadership in delivering distinctive guest experiences and advancing hospitality innovation in the Jamaica.

Montego Bay’s meetings and events sector was also recognised internationally. Mureen James, Executive Director of the Montego Bay Convention Centre, received the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in MICE Hospitality (Caribbean), highlighting the facility’s growing reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, was honoured with the Tourism Minister of the Year award, recognising his global leadership and policy direction that have strengthened Jamaica’s tourism resilience and international competitiveness.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay Chapter extends congratulations to all awardees, noting that the international recognition reflects the continued innovation and leadership emerging from Montego Bay and the wider Jamaican tourism industry.

PATWA International Travel Awards celebrate excellence across the global travel and tourism industry, recognising governments, organisations, destinations and industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism.

05/03/2026

UPDATE - More hotels in Montego Bay continue to reopen, some in phases and others through full operations, following temporary closures caused by the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Industry stakeholders say the return of these properties will restore valuable accommodation capacity to the destination just as travel demand is expected to increase.

According to Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, Chairperson for the JHTA Montego Bay Chapter, "the phased reopening of several hotels follows months of recovery work, upgrades and operational preparations after the weather system impacted parts of the tourism sector."

“The outlook for Montego Bay is extremely positive. Several hotels that were temporarily closed following the impact of Hurricane Melissa have been undergoing repairs, refurbishment and operational preparations, and by July more hotels will be back on stream,” Quallo Casserly said.

Montego Bay remains Jamaica’s largest tourism destination in terms of room inventory, and these reopenings will strengthen our ability to welcome more visitors while maintaining the high standards of hospitality that the destination is known for.”

Tourism leaders also expect strong hotel occupancy levels throughout Summer 2026, supported by an expanding calendar of major concerts, festivals and entertainment events across the resort city. These events are expected to attract visitors from regional and international markets, further strengthening tourism activity.

Visit the
Website for an update on opening dates of hotels licated in Montego Bay and Trelwany.

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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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JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter

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