Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector has marked a significant milestone, achieving its strongest July for visitor arrivals on record, coupled with the commencement of construction on the highly anticipated US$700 million Moon Palace, The Grand resort in St. James. These developments underscore the island’s robust appeal and strategic growth in the global travel market.
Jamaica Welcomes Unprecedented July Arrivals
In July 2025, Jamaica welcomed a record 286,548 stopover visitors, signaling a remarkable surge in international travel to the island. This figure represents a substantial 16.5% increase compared to July 2024 and a notable 4.8% rise over the same period in 2023. These exceptional numbers reflect Jamaica’s unwavering position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination, attributed to the success of its destination assurance programs and effective marketing strategies.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “These exceptional numbers reflect Jamaica’s unwavering position as the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination. The growth showcases the strength of our destination assurance programme, remarkable resilience, and the effectiveness of our strategic marketing initiatives.” Director of Tourism, Donovan White, added that the growth represents more than just statistics, highlighting families choosing Jamaica for vacations, business travelers discovering world-class facilities, and repeat visitors returning for unparalleled hospitality and natural beauty. The strong summer arrivals are also bolstered by the long-standing tradition of Jamaicans in the diaspora returning home.
The sector’s success in July is further attributed to enhanced airlift capacity, successful marketing campaigns targeting key source markets, and the island’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from pristine beaches to rich cultural experiences. Jamaica continues to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure, accommodations, attractions, and transportation to sustainably meet growing visitor demand while preserving the authentic Jamaican experience.
Moon Palace, The Grand: A Transformative Investment
Coinciding with this influx of visitors, Jamaica has officially broken ground on Moon Palace, The Grand, a US$700 million luxury resort development in Success, St. James. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Palace Resorts, will introduce 1,200 new luxury suites to the island’s accommodation inventory. Features will include overwater bungalows, more than 13 specialty restaurants, a state-of-the-art waterpark, and the largest spa in the country. The development is poised to be a significant economic driver, with projections indicating the creation of 3,000 jobs upon completion.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, attended the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing that such investments are a direct result of deliberate government policy and action, reflecting confidence in Jamaica’s stability and growth potential. He highlighted that the government’s partnership for prosperity policy ensures national as well as private benefits, including mandates for housing for workers and broader economic gains. This investment signifies a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Strategic Vision for Inclusive Growth
These achievements align with Jamaica’s broader tourism strategy, aiming for inclusive growth that benefits all citizens. Minister Bartlett’s vision, often encapsulated by goals such as the ‘5x5x5′ plan (five million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings), is being actively pursued through modernizing legislation, investing in human capital, and diversifying the tourism product. Initiatives like the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme and the emphasis on local sourcing aim to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are widely distributed.
The government’s commitment extends to developing untapped areas and fostering stronger links with local businesses. The Moon Palace project, for instance, plans to create stronger ties with local businesses in surrounding communities, encouraging cottage industries to supply goods and services to the resort.
A Promising Outlook for Jamaica’s Travel Sector
The convergence of record-breaking visitor arrivals and significant new resort development reinforces Jamaica’s status as a premier tourism destination. The island is successfully combining high international demand with substantial new investments, promising to enhance the visitor experience and create lasting economic opportunities for local communities. As Jamaica continues to innovate and expand its tourism offerings, the sector remains a critical engine for national development and a beacon of growth in the Caribbean. This latest news paints a bright picture for Jamaica’s future in global travel and tour operations.