Jamaica has experienced a monumental surge in its tourism sector, celebrating a record-breaking July for stopover visitors while simultaneously advancing a significant luxury resort development. The island welcomed an unprecedented 286,548 stopover visitors in July 2025, marking the strongest July in its history. This figure represents a substantial 16.5% increase compared to July 2024 and a robust 4.8% growth over July 2023, underscoring Jamaica’s enduring appeal as a premier Caribbean destination.
Record-Breaking July Arrivals Signal Robust Growth
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed immense satisfaction with the July performance, attributing the success to Jamaica’s strong global appeal, effective marketing strategies, and the island’s remarkable resilience. “These exceptional numbers reflect Jamaica’s unwavering position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination,” stated Minister Bartlett. He further highlighted that the significant month-over-month growth is a testament to the tourism industry’s robust destination assurance program and its effectiveness in attracting visitors. The strong summer arrivals also reflect a long-standing tradition of Jamaicans in the diaspora returning home to participate in cultural festivals and reconnect with family and heritage.
Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing that the growth signifies more than just statistics. “This growth represents not just numbers, but families choosing Jamaica for their vacations, business travelers discovering our world-class facilities, and repeat visitors returning to experience our unmatched hospitality and natural beauty,” he said. The surge in arrivals is further supported by enhanced airlift capacity and diverse tourism offerings, ranging from pristine beaches to rich cultural experiences.
Moon Palace, The Grand: A $700 Million Investment in Luxury and Jobs
In parallel with the record visitor numbers, Jamaica is set to further elevate its tourism landscape with the development of Moon Palace, The Grand. This ambitious project, representing a $700 million investment, will feature 1,200 luxurious rooms, including exclusive overwater bungalows. The resort will also boast world-class amenities such as 13 specialty restaurants, Jamaica’s largest spa, a water park, bowling alleys, and access to championship golf.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, welcomed the investment, stating, “The Jamaican Government welcomes this major investment in Montego Bay, which will boost our economy, strengthen our tourism sector, and create thousands of jobs.” The development is projected to generate over 3,000 local jobs, significantly contributing to the island’s economy and empowering local communities. The Palace Company, the developer, has a decade-long history of investment in Jamaica, having previously launched Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, which created over 1,200 local jobs. This new venture in Montego Bay underscores a continued commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
Strategic Vision for Continued Success
This dual success story – record visitor numbers and substantial new resort development – aligns with Jamaica’s broader tourism strategy. Minister Bartlett has consistently emphasized a multi-pronged approach, including market diversification, enhancing visitor experiences, promoting sustainable growth, and strengthening the island’s global footprint. The government’s focus on developing new tourism frontiers in less-traditional areas and ensuring inclusive growth demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all Jamaicans.
The robust performance in July and the significant investment in Moon Palace, The Grand, signal a bright future for Jamaica’s tourism sector. These developments not only reinforce the island’s status as a leading Caribbean destination but also highlight its capacity for sustained economic growth driven by strategic planning and investment in its most valuable asset: its people and its unparalleled natural beauty. The news from this period demonstrates Jamaica’s powerful resurgence in global tourism, reinforcing its position as a top destination for business and leisure travelers alike.