NEW DELHI, 26^th August 2025: Jamaica’s tourism sector has achieved two significant milestones: a record-breaking month of visitor arrivals in July and the groundbreaking of a new luxury resort development, Moon Palace, The Grand.

Jamaica welcomed 286,548 stopover visitors in July 2025, marking its strongest July on record. This represents a 16.5% increase compared to July 2024 and a 4.8% rise over July 2023. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said, “These exceptional numbers reflect Jamaica’s position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination. The growth showcases the strength of our destination assurance programme and the effectiveness of our marketing strategies.”

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, added, “This growth represents not just numbers, but families choosing Jamaica for their vacations, business travellers discovering our facilities, and repeat visitors returning for our hospitality and natural beauty.”

The July surge also reflects the long-standing tradition of Jamaicans in the diaspora returning home during the summer. August is expected to further boost arrivals as the island hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and community events.

At the same time, Jamaica is preparing for further growth with the development of Moon Palace, The Grand, a US$700 million, 1,200-room luxury resort. The groundbreaking ceremony in Success, St. James, was attended by Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Minister Bartlett, and Palace Resorts CEO Gibran Chapur.

The resort will feature overwater bungalows, more than 13 specialty restaurants, a waterpark, and Jamaica’s largest spa. Once completed, it will employ 3,000 people. In addition, Palace Resorts will invest in 500 staff apartments, development of the Success public beach, and projects supporting surrounding communities.

Minister Bartlett highlighted that the project aligns with the government’s vision for inclusive tourism, ensuring surrounding communities benefit from growth. Plans include expansion of John Rollins Success Primary School, a new health centre, a relocated police station, upgraded parks, and scholarships through the Moon Palace Foundation.

The project will also create stronger links with local businesses, encouraging cottage industries in areas such as Barrett Town, Rhyne Park, and Spot Valley to supply goods like textiles, candles, and artisanal products to the resort.

Together, the record visitor arrivals and the upcoming Moon Palace, The Grand highlight Jamaica’s continued strength as a tourism destination, combining strong international demand with major new investments that will enhance visitor experiences and create opportunities for local communities.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world's best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared 'World's Leading Cruise Destination' and 'World's Leading Family Destination' for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the 'Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board' for the 17^th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for 'Best Travel Agent Academy Program' and silver for 'Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean' and 'Best Tourism Board – Caribbean'. The destination also received bronze recognition for 'Best Destination – Caribbean', 'Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean', and 'Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean'. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for 'International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support' for a record-setting 12^th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).