JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter, Montego Bay (2025)

25/12/2025

GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

Merry Christmas from the JHTA Montego Bay Chapter.

We extend love, peace, and warm wishes to our members, partners, and community this festive season.

24/12/2025

This Christmas, we celebrate our tourism family and extend our gratitude to our tourism stakeholders - our members and tourism workforce, travel partners, relief groups and the business communities that continue to stand together with resilience and pride.

May the season bring you peace, joy, and renewed hope, and may the spirit of hospitality continue to unite and inspire us in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays!

11/12/2025

Jamaica welcomed a brand-new gateway from Canada as WestJet’s inaugural flight from Québec City touched down at Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, on December 6.
This new weekly service marks another strong step in Jamaica’s tourism rebound and reinforces that the island is ready, open, and thriving.

The new route deepens that partnership and expands travel access for Canadian visitors this winter season.

This new Québec City–Montego Bay flight represents a major boost to Jamaica’s tourism goals which supports plans to welcome up to 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and strengthen earnings within the sector and is part of WestJet’s winter schedule and signals strong confidence in Destination Jamaica.

Travelers from Québec City now have easy, direct access to the island’s world-class resorts, culture, and signature warmth.

11/12/2025

This festive season, S Hotel Jamaica is bringing the spirit of Christmas straight to the hearts of families affected by Hurricane Melissa. Through its “S for Shelters” initiative, the boutique resort is building 60 one-bedroom homes for residents in western Jamaica who lost everything in the storm with the aim of having them ready and occupied in time for Christmas.

With a total investment of over $21 million, the project sees hotel staff, partners, and even visiting guests pitching in to construct sturdy 10×12 lumber houses completing two to three homes per day. So far, three homes have already been delivered to families in Hartford, Westmoreland and Black River and St. Elizabeth.

Families were selected through community referrals from hotel team members who live in affected areas, ensuring that the homes go to those truly in need, including vulnerable individuals such as a paraplegic man who was the first recipient.

Beyond building homes, the initiative has become a meaningful experience for guests who have joined construction efforts — reflecting shared compassion, resilience, and community spirit.

📷Credit:

06/12/2025

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the strength and unity of Jamaica’s tourism industry continue to shine. JHTA Allied Members are essential partners supporting every layer of the tourism ecosystem and are ready and open for business, stepping forward in full support of the accommodation sector just in time for the upcoming winter season.

Transportation providers are prepared to ensure smooth and reliable movement across the island. Agricultural partners are delivering the finest local produce to hotels and villas. Restaurants and entertainment venues are reigniting Jamaica’s vibrant energy, while attractions, craft vendors, and souvenir shops stand ready to welcome visitors with the warmth and creativity that define the Jamaican experience.

"The strength of Jamaica’s tourism product lies in its linkages from agriculture and craft to transportation, attractions, and entertainment,” stated Nadine Spence, Managing Director of Sixt Rent-A-Car and 4th Vice President of the JHTA.

Allied Members and other tourism linkages such as Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMTEs) are not just suppliers; they are essential partners in the tourism value chain, and their readiness today signals hope and confidence for the winter season ahead.

05/12/2025

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has officially reopened its Rose Hall Hotel Complex in Montego Bay, signaling renewed hope and resilience for Jamaica’s tourism sector.

The Rose Hall Complex now reopens with refreshed accommodations, revitalized amenities, and a strengthened promise to deliver authentic, sustainable, guest-centered hospitality , the kind that uplifts both visitors and the community the resort proudly serve.

As Montego Bay continues its journey of rebuilding, Iberostar remains committed to supporting staff, partners, and the wider tourism family.

“This reopening is more than a return to operations; it is a testament to our people,” said the Iberostar leadership team.Their strength, their heart, and their belief in Jamaica made this moment possible. We welcome our guests back with deep gratitude and renewed purpose.”

01/12/2025

“Hope is on the Horizon.” That is the message of optimism from Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, Chair of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay Chapter, as Montego Bay, the mecca of Jamaican tourism continues its steady rebuilding following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Despite the devasting impact of Hurricane Melissa, the city’s tourism heartbeat remains strong. Hotels, attractions, transportation services, craft traders, and other key sectors are steadily reopening in phases, preparing to welcome visitors for the upcoming winter season.

Quallo Casserly emphasized, “It is of great importance that consumer confidence remains strong, particularly among our international travellers, who account for more than 90% of the tourism businesses across accommodation, attractions, and transportation sector. Our members continue to play their part in the rebuilding and restoring process and are committed to ensuring Montego Bay is ready to receive guests with excellence.”

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter also remains in active and continuous dialogue with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to support the city’s rebuilding communications, share accurate updates, and highlight the readiness of Montego Bay’s tourism entities. This partnership ensures that travel partners, the global tourism community, and returning guests have clear insight into the destination’s reopening progress.

"Through every phase of recovery, the "Spirit of Hospitality" remains constant. That is, the strength, warmth, and dedication of Jamaica’s tourism workers that fuel the city’s resilience and anchor its future," expressed Casserly.

30/11/2025

As Montego Bay continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, SeaGarden Beach Resort has strengthened its role as a community-focused hospitality leader, partnering with Project Dynamo and key international travel partners to support urgent relief efforts. This united approach reflects the resort’s long-standing commitment to people, service, and resilience, principles that continue to guide its journey toward a renewed and vibrant reopening on July 1, 2026.

In collaboration with Project Dynamo, a U.S.-based volunteer humanitarian and rescuea respected organization known for rapid crisis deployment worldwide, SeaGarden provided accommodation for volunteers working on the frontlines of recovery. Together, the resort staff and Project Dynamo teams organized, distributed essential relief supplies to the hardest-hit communities across Montego Bay.

SeaGarden's travel partners also played a critical role in this effort, flying in donations and care items that have supported both employees and local families.

While relief operations continue, the resort has already begun clean-up and restoration activities onsite as part of its careful preparation for a safe and revitalized reopening.

The resort remains committed to returning stronger with refreshed offerings and an enhanced guest experience that honours its legacy of warmth, hospitality, and community connection.

30/11/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

26/11/2025

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, RIU Hotels & Resorts has launched a comprehensive recovery plan for its more than 4,000 Jamaican employees, committing US$2.3 million to relief efforts.

Nearly 800 staff have reported damage to their homes, and RIU is prioritizing support through grants, interest-free credit, and immediate aid packages. The company has allocated US$570,000 toward building materials, US$230,000 for care packages, and created a US$1.3M interest-free credit line to help with essentials like appliances and furniture.

RIU has also partnered with World Central Kitchen to prepare and distribute up to 8,000 hot meals daily from its hotel kitchens to communities in Montego Bay, Negril, and other storm-impacted areas.

This initiative underscores RIU’s long-standing commitment to its Jamaican workforce,helping staff rebuild their homes, regain stability, and "rebuild with dignity," stated Somae Pitkin-Shakes, Human Resource Manager, RIU Montego Bay.

Photo Credit: Riu Brand Centre

25/11/2025

Royalton Hotels & Resorts has reinforced its commitment to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, rolling out a comprehensive support plan for its team members and surrounding communities.

The company has provided clean water, temporary lodging, monetary relief, and care packages for affected staff. Royalton has also extended regional support through donation drives and volunteer initiatives across its Caribbean properties.

A dedicated team of over 200 employees remains on-site to safeguard and maintain the resorts during the restoration period. Royalton is also investing in its people by deploying Jamaican team members to other Caribbean resorts for continued employment and advanced training.

Updated Reopening Dates:
• Royalton Negril, Royalton Hideaway Negril & Grand Lido Negril – August 25, 2026
• Royalton Blue Waters & Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters – September 15, 2026

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our staff and communities as we work toward a strong recovery,” said Daniel Lozano, Senior Vice President of Operations.

Royalton remains committed to rebuilding with heart and returning to Jamaica stronger and more resilient.

21/11/2025

"The Spirit of Hospitality Endures," as the Montego Bay Resort Area’s tourism sector, including its accommodation providers and allied services continue to advance recovery and restoration efforts following the widespread impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm caused significant operational disruptions, property damage, and temporary closures across several major and small accommodations within the resort area.

Hotels and Resorts in Montego Bay are scheduled to reopened either fully or in phased operations, with several completing refurbishment and infrastructure upgrades. That is, the sector remains firmly on track for a full reopening in early 2026 to the end of the year, signaling renewed confidence in Montego Bay as Jamaica’s leading tourism hub.

As restoration progresses, the Montego Bay Resort Area continues to demonstrate unity, resilience, and its unwavering commitment to preserving the world-class hospitality for which Jamaica is known.

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JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter

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