Jamaica’s tourism landscape is set to flourish in 2025 with an array of new luxury hotel openings and an exciting calendar of events that celebrate the island's rich culture and culinary heritage. This year has ushered in a wave of new luxury accommodations, including the Princess Senses The Mangrove, Princess Grand Hotels and the Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle. Finally, Portland Parish has welcomed the Trident Hotel, with 11 oceanfront villas situated around a private cove. The year has brought an additional 2,000 rooms to the island, significantly increasing bandwidth for the ever-increasing tourism demand.
Jamaica also welcomed Pompey, Diplo’s new luxury offering in Portland, Jamaica. The hideaway offers a fully equipped production studio, and a mix of private and communal spaces surrounded by forests. Pompey is designed as a refuge for creativity and relaxation. Guests can indulge in water sports, mountain biking, and Portland’s nightlife.
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, has revealed that based on preliminary figures Jamaica has welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors and around 3 million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between January 1 and September 14, 2024, pointing towards an increase in figures in comparison to 2023. Bartlett said, “The latest arrival figures are a remarkable achievement for Jamaica. The tourism sector has earned approximately $2.97 billion since the year began. Despite various challenges, including Hurricane Beryl and tightness in relation to airlift, the sustained recovery and growth demonstrates and reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism sector and the continued appeal of Jamaica as a premier travel destination.”
This year has welcomed luxury developments to existing properties too, with Montego Bay’s Round Hill welcoming Villa 14 estate, consisting of three luxury villas and staff quarters, and Half Moon set to unveil its new multi-bedroom Prestige Ocean & Ocean Villas in November, bringing additional private villas to the oceanfront property in Rose Hall.
Additional upcoming projects include Montego Bay’s Unico Hotel 18º77º, Planet Hollywood Royalton in St. Thomas Parish and Planet Hollywood Royalton planned for Trelawny, bringing upwards of 1,600 additional rooms.
Expanding the island’s cultural offerings, Falmouth opened The Artisan Village, which offers a creative hub with shops, daily performances and complimentary access. Visitors can step into a space where authentic Jamaican crafts, cuisine and culture blend with cutting-edge digital experiences.
Jamaica also plays host to several events including Rebel Salute in January and Reggae Month, which sees a series of events and concerts throughout February in celebration of the island’s legendary artists and musical heritage, including Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6. The festivities continue with the Carnival, the ultimate celebration of the nation’s culture, concerts, dance and costume with the street march on April 27.
Summer welcomes a packed events agenda with Jamaica’s celebrated bi-annual literary Calabash festival from May 23-25, and the weeklong Reggae Sumfest music festival in Montego Bay from July 18.
Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, running every November in Kingston, is a six-day culinary extravaganza featuring fine liquors, top Jamaican DJs and live entertainment.
Rounding off the year is the Negril Reggae Marathon, scheduled for early December. This international marathon event welcomes participants of all levels to join in a spirited celebration of fitness and reggae music. The internationally certified course in Negril is known for its supportive atmosphere and lively musical backdrop.
For more details, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
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