Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector is celebrating a double triumph, announcing a record-breaking July for visitor arrivals alongside the groundbreaking of a significant new luxury resort development. The island nation welcomed an unprecedented 286,548 stopover visitors in July 2025, marking its strongest July ever and signaling robust growth in the travel industry. This impressive figure represents a substantial 16.5% increase compared to July 2024 and a 4.8% rise over July 2023, underscoring Jamaica’s enduring appeal as a premier Caribbean destination.
Record-Breaking Visitor Surge
The surge in July arrivals is a testament to Jamaica’s effective destination assurance programs and its strategic marketing initiatives, according to Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “These exceptional numbers reflect Jamaica’s position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination,” Minister Bartlett stated. He further noted that this growth showcases the resilience and effectiveness of the nation’s tourism strategies. Director of Tourism, Donovan White, elaborated that the increased numbers represent families, business travelers, and returning visitors choosing Jamaica for its hospitality and natural beauty. The strong summer performance also benefits from the tradition of Jamaicans in the diaspora returning home, boosting arrivals during August as cultural events unfold across the island.
The positive momentum is part of a broader optimistic outlook for Jamaica’s tourism in 2025, with projections indicating the island is on track to surpass three million stopover arrivals by year’s end. This continued success is supported by an evolving marketing strategy that increasingly leverages digital platforms and targets new international markets, including India and South America.
Groundbreaking of Moon Palace, The Grand
In tandem with the record arrivals, Jamaica has broken ground on the US$700 million Moon Palace, The Grand – Montego Bay, a lavish 1,200-room luxury resort set to redefine hospitality in St. James. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and CEO of Palace Resorts, Gibrán Chapur, signifies a major investment and commitment to the island’s tourism future.
The expansive resort will feature world-class amenities, including exclusive overwater bungalows, more than 13 specialty restaurants, a waterpark, and what is slated to be Jamaica’s largest spa. The development is also set to be a significant economic driver, projected to create approximately 3,000 local jobs upon completion. This massive project reaffirms Palace Resorts’ decade-long commitment to Jamaica, building upon their previous investment in Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios.
Inclusive Growth and Community Impact
Beyond the resort’s luxurious offerings, the development emphasizes inclusivity and community benefit, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable tourism. Palace Resorts plans to invest in community projects, including the development of the Success public beach, construction of 500 staff apartments, expansion of the John Rollins Success Primary School, and the establishment of new health facilities and upgraded parks. These initiatives aim to ensure that local communities directly benefit from the tourism growth.
Prime Minister Holness highlighted the investment as a result of deliberate government policy and action, fostering an environment conducive to attracting significant foreign investment. He emphasized that such large-scale projects boost the economy, strengthen the tourism sector, and create vital employment opportunities.
A Resilient and Forward-Looking Sector
Jamaica’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with strategic investments in infrastructure, marketing, and visitor experience continuing to enhance its global competitiveness. The combination of record visitor numbers and substantial new resort developments like Moon Palace, The Grand, positions Jamaica for continued success and reinforces its status as a leading travel destination in the Caribbean and beyond. This news provides a significant update for anyone following travel trends and Jamaica’s dynamic tour landscape.