Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector has achieved a new benchmark, recording its strongest July on record for visitor arrivals while simultaneously announcing a monumental new resort development. In July 2025, the island welcomed a record 286,548 stopover visitors, representing a significant 16.5% increase over July 2024 and a 4.8% rise compared to July 2023. This surge highlights Jamaica’s enduring appeal as a premier Caribbean destination, attributed to effective marketing campaigns, robust destination assurance programs, and enhanced airlift capacity.
Record-Breaking July Arrivals Reflect Strong Tourism Momentum
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed delight over the exceptional July figures, stating that they “reflect Jamaica’s unwavering position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination.” He emphasized that this growth demonstrates the tourism industry’s resilience and the success of strategic marketing initiatives. Director of Tourism, Donovan White, added that these numbers represent families choosing Jamaica for vacations, business travelers exploring its facilities, and repeat visitors returning for its hospitality and natural beauty.
The strong performance in July continues Jamaica’s positive tourism trajectory for 2025, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. Factors contributing to this success include improved airlift, targeted marketing campaigns, and the island’s diverse offerings, from beaches to cultural experiences. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) data confirms July 2025 as the strongest July for visitor arrivals, with the numbers surpassing both the previous year and pre-pandemic 2023 levels, indicating a robust recovery and expansion in the sector.
Moon Palace, The Grand: A US$700 Million Investment in Luxury Tourism
Complementing the record visitor numbers, The Palace Company has broken ground on Moon Palace, The Grand – Montego Bay, a transformative US$700 million luxury resort development. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Jamaican Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, and Gibrán Chapur, CEO of The Palace Company. This significant investment marks a new chapter in The Palace Company’s decade-long presence in Jamaica, reaffirming its commitment to the island and its people.
Once completed, Moon Palace, The Grand – Montego Bay will feature 1,200 rooms, including exclusive overwater bungalows, setting a new standard for luxury in the Caribbean. The resort’s extensive amenities will include 13 world-class restaurants and bars, Jamaica’s largest spa, a water park, a FlowRider, bowling alley, an iconic third-level infinity pool, and access to championship golf. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 local jobs, significantly boosting Jamaica’s economy and hospitality sector.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Prime Minister Holness lauded 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.” He added, “We are proud to partner with The Palace Company in bringing this vision to life and securing Jamaica’s place as a global luxury destination.”
This development aligns with the Jamaican government’s vision for inclusive tourism, aiming to ensure that the benefits of tourism extend to local communities. The Palace Company’s previous investment in Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, which began in 2015 with a US$250 million investment, has already contributed over 1,200 local jobs and integrated sustainability and community development. Chapur, CEO of The Palace Company, stated, “This project is much more than a resort—it’s a testament to our continued faith and love for Jamaica, its people and their great future.”
Jamaica’s tourism strategy for 2025 and beyond focuses on enhancing visitor experiences, promoting sustainability, and diversifying source markets. With continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and product development, the island is well-positioned for sustained growth. The combination of strong visitor arrivals and major new resort developments like Moon Palace, The Grand, underscores Jamaica’s resilience and its commitment to maintaining its status as a leading global travel destination.