AGP Executive Report

UV Safety Month: A Jamaica Observer piece urges visitors and locals to protect skin from UV damage even when you don’t feel a burn, highlighting risks like premature aging, dark spots, eye damage and skin cancer. Tourism & Culture: NDTC’s Season of Dance is set for a Montego Bay “homecoming,” bringing Rex Nettleford works to the west and spotlighting Jamaica’s cultural roots. Local Business & Tourism Link: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pushes the “Local First” idea at the Christmas in July trade show, aiming to turn tourism demand into Jamaican contracts, jobs and wealth via training, capital and marketing. Trade Show Buzz: Christmas in July continues to help artisans find new markets, with TEF-backed exhibitors using the event to build long-term customer relationships. Visitor Economy in St James: Montego Bay’s sports complex rebuild is pitching daily wellness revenue (including pickleball and futsal) to keep the facility sustainable. Transport Reality Check: Jamaica’s Transport Authority says it has seized 200+ public passenger vehicles and prosecuted overcharging operators after fare increases. Safety & Access: A special education diagnostic centre is expected to open in Portland in September, reducing the need for families to travel to Kingston. UK Entry Rules: The UK reaffirmed visa requirements for nationals of 100+ countries for short stays, a reminder for travellers planning trips.

Tourism Policy & Local Supply: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the “Local First” push is meant to turn tourism demand into Jamaican production—Jamaican contracts, jobs and wealth—using training, capital development and marketing, with the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s innovation incubator at the centre. Business & Visitor Economy: Bartlett also highlighted that “Christmas in July” has generated more than J$1 billion for local suppliers over the past decade, with this year’s event drawing 355 applications and 180 exhibitors. Sustainable Development: St James is considering special rates and incentives for developers who build with environmentally sustainable solutions, as Montego Bay’s growth accelerates. Hospitality Skills: D&G Foundation expanded its Brewtender programme to St Ann, training 15 bartenders to strengthen customer service and product knowledge ahead of peak summer travel. Brand Jamaica: Chris Gayle’s Rich Rum launch was framed as a boost for Jamaican-made, export-ready brands—turning global celebrity into local enterprise. Diaspora & Events: “Elegance: The Ballroom Experience” is drawing Jamaican diaspora visitors for July 19 at the Jamaica Pegasus, with special accommodation rates for attendees.

Jamaica Tourism Push: The Jamaica Tourist Board has launched its “Jamaica Summer Vibes 2026” campaign running through Aug. 31, spotlighting beaches, festivals, sports and local experiences to keep visitors engaged beyond single events. Hospitality Training: Ahead of peak travel and major events like Reggae Sumfest, the D&G Foundation expanded its Brewtender programme to St Ann, training 15 bartenders to strengthen front-line service at key visitor spots. Brand Jamaica in Focus: Government says Chris Gayle’s Rich Rum venture shows confidence in Jamaica’s economy and the push to export Jamaican-made brands, with plans to position the rum for international markets. Tourism Business Support: The Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Christmas in July trade show continues to help local artisans and manufacturers land larger corporate and tourism orders, with training and buyer connections built in. Coastal Protection: Jamaica will observe International Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19, led by the Jamaica Environment Trust, with registration details now open for site coordinators and a flagship cleanup at Palisadoes-Port Royal. Reggae Sumfest Update: Reggae Sumfest returns as a one-night “A Taste of Sumfest” on July 18 at Plantation Cove in St Ann, with Vybz Kartel and Mavado headlining as the festival supports rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

Tourism Marketing Push: The Jamaica Tourist Board has launched “Jamaica Summer Vibes 2026,” running through Aug. 31, inviting visitors to experience the island’s beaches, festivals, sports, culture and food beyond any single event. Reggae Sumfest Comeback: Reggae Sumfest 2026 returns as a one-night “A Taste of Sumfest” on July 18 at Plantation Cove in St. Ann, with Vybz Kartel and Mavado headlining—scaled down as rebuilding continues after Hurricane Melissa. Coastal Care Calendar: Jamaica will join International Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19, spearheaded by the Jamaica Environment Trust, with a Kingston flagship clean-up at Palisadoes–Port Royal Protected Area and volunteer registration windows now set. Weather Watch: Jamaica’s Met Service warns of strong winds, rough seas and isolated thunderstorms through the weekend, with the worst conditions Friday and Saturday—especially for southern parishes and marine areas. Local Giving: US-based attorney Kaysia Earley’s Seeds of Manna charity continues supporting communities in Jamaica with care packages and school, church and sports gear across all 14 parishes. Business & IP: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill urged tourism and creative entrepreneurs to register brands and digitise systems, stressing IP protection and standards testing to boost exports.

Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Jamaica’s push for stronger cultural infrastructure got a boost as calls grow for a dedicated performing arts centre in western Jamaica, following the NDTC’s 64th anniversary season push in Montego Bay. Local Business & Exports: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill urged entrepreneurs to formalise and digitise their brands, register intellectual property, and use standards and accreditation bodies to help Jamaican products compete globally. Sports Tourism & Development: Paralympic leader Christopher Samuda said world-class sports infrastructure is key to athlete development and sport tourism, pointing to venue investment models like Colombia’s Para South American Games. Sustainability & Coastal Protection: JET CEO Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie warned solid waste and plastic pollution won’t be solved by individual effort alone, calling for producer responsibility and stronger focus from government and companies. Climate Resilience: UN Climate Change highlighted Jamaica’s long-term climate-resilient strategy as a model, stressing that investing in resilience can cost far less than rebuilding after disasters like Hurricane Melissa. Regional Policy Watch: CARICOM says it will audit member states’ policies on the US Third-Country Nationals arrangement before taking a clear position, as Jamaica continues to accept TCNs under an MOU. Visitor Safety Note (Caribbean): The US State Department issued a Level 2 “increased caution” travel advisory for Turks and Caicos, citing crime risks in tourist areas. Travel Deals: Sandals and Beaches launched “Black Friday in July,” offering major discounts and resort credits across Caribbean properties.

Tourism & Events: Police have announced traffic and parking arrangements for Reggae Sumfest 2026 at Plantation Cove, St Ann on July 18, including lane changes on Priory main road and a park-and-shuttle plan from Pearly Beach, Seville Great House and Discovery Bay. Sports Tourism: Bresheh unveiled a racket-sports bag collection at the launch of Smash Jamaica 2026, while the Jamaica Badminton Association says more than 40 junior players will gain international experience across five tournaments from Aug 5–18. Eco-Tourism Development: Plans are moving to pedestrianise Holland Bamboo in St Elizabeth and turn it into an ecotourism attraction, with an alternative roadway and upgrades like nurseries, new bamboo planting and irrigation. Resilient Jamaica: UN Climate Change highlights Jamaica’s climate resilience strategy as a model, pointing to how investing in adaptation can cost less than disaster recovery. Coastal & Waste Management: Jamaica Environment Trust says solid waste and plastic pollution need coordinated action across citizens, industry and government, and notes volunteer access to coastline clean-ups has shrunk. Tourism Jobs: Royalton Negril is gearing up for its Aug 25 reopening with a two-day job fair to add 500+ workers after Hurricane Melissa forced the resort’s closure. Travel Deals: Sandals and Beaches are bringing back “Black Friday in July” with major discounts and resort credits across Caribbean properties.

Climate & Resilience: UN Climate Change points to Jamaica’s 2050 Long-Term Emission Reduction and Climate-Resilient Strategy as a model, noting that the cost of adaptation measures can be far less than disaster losses after Hurricane Melissa. All-Inclusives & Deals: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are bringing back “Black Friday in July,” with up to 65% off plus resort and air credits across 19 Jamaica and Caribbean properties, bookable through July 27. Tourism Pulse: Passenger traffic at Jamaica’s two international airports fell in the first half of 2026, with Sangster down 26.7% and Norman Manley down 3.6%, linked to Hurricane Melissa recovery and reduced hotel capacity. Eco-Tourism Upgrade: Plans are moving ahead to pedestrianise Holland Bamboo in St Elizabeth, with a proposed near-$500M revitalisation including a new access road and visitor-focused improvements. Resort Spotlight: Half Moon in Montego Bay fully reopens after restoration from Hurricane Melissa, welcoming guests back to its villas, spa, golf and beaches. Regional Travel Links: Trinidad and Tobago will provide a temporary ferry to move mainly cargo between CARICOM states as the region pushes toward cheaper intra-regional ferry service. Culture on the Move: The 10th Portie Film Festival returns to Portland, Jamaica, with free screenings, workshops and a Kumina Reborthing celebration starting July 11.

Airport & Infrastructure: Sangster International and Norman Manley International airports both saw passenger pressure in the first half of 2026, with Sangster down 26.7% year-on-year, while traffic at NMIA dipped slightly—plus an upgrade is planned for NMIA’s post-security area. Water & Roads: The NWC says traffic changes are coming along the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall, St James, as phase one of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project begins, with single-lane closures now and two-lane closures expected soon. Tourism Investment & Hospitality: RIU marked 25 years in Jamaica with a gala at Hotel Riu Montego Bay, celebrating its first Jamaican property in Negril and ongoing expansion. Safety for Visitors & Families: The JCF is urging extra water vigilance this summer, warning parents not to leave children unattended near beaches, rivers, and pools. Community Tourism Culture: College Hill Wilderness Sanctuary will host a guided hike to celebrate its first birthday, spotlighting Jamaica’s protected wildlands and biodiversity. Regional Travel Buzz: Jamaica’s top ranking in the Caribbean on the 2026 Global Peace Index is expected to reinforce its “safe destination” appeal for visitors.

Tourism Milestone: RIU Hotels & Resorts marked 25 years since opening its first Jamaican property, Hotel Riu Tropical Bay in Negril, with a gala attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and awards for long-serving staff. Travel Safety: The Jamaica Constabulary Force is urging parents and guardians to keep children under constant supervision near beaches and rivers, warning that summer brings more water-related incidents and missing persons. Infrastructure & Visitor Experience: NWC advised motorists to expect traffic changes on the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall, St James, as phase one of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project begins, with single-lane closures now and possible two-lane closures later. Nature & Eco-Tourism: Northeast Wilderness Trust will celebrate College Hill Wilderness Sanctuary’s first birthday with a guided hike to the summit on July 11, highlighting local forest habitats and a proposed sanctuary expansion. Community Tourism & Culture: Jamaica’s diaspora conference delegates say there’s no single plan yet to improve doing business with overseas Jamaicans, but the Jamaica Marketplace offered networking across sectors including tourism. Local Homeownership for Travelers’ Return: NHT staged the Home It Expo in Montego Bay, offering building plans, mortgage-readiness checks, and home improvement guidance to help Jamaicans move into homeownership. Tourism Recognition: Jamaica was ranked the most peaceful country in the Caribbean in the 2026 Global Peace Index, a boost that tourism stakeholders say supports visitor confidence. Family Travel Inspiration: A roundup of top all-inclusive family resorts highlighted Beaches Turks and Caicos as a leading pick, reinforcing demand for kid-friendly, activity-rich stays. Sports & Tourism Buzz: Holland America announced its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more itineraries and longer stays, including calls at Half Moon Cay.

Diaspora & Investment: A South Florida delegation says Jamaica Diaspora Conference plans need clearer, measurable follow-through, though the Jamaica Marketplace helped connect investors with government and private-sector opportunities in real estate, agriculture and tourism. Water Safety: The JCF is urging parents and guardians to closely supervise children near beaches, rivers and pools this summer, warning against leaving kids unattended and avoiding prohibited areas. Tourism Recognition: Jamaica is ranked the most peaceful country in the Caribbean in the 2026 Global Peace Index, a boost that travel experts say supports visitor confidence. Cruise Push: Holland America Line is launching its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more itineraries, longer stays in port, and calls at Half Moon Cay. Air Access: Air Transat announces summer flight deals including Montego Bay, plus booking flexibility for select fares. Local Tourism Business: NHT stages a Home It Expo in Montego Bay to help prospective homeowners with plans, mortgage readiness and home improvement support. Health & Community: Mandeville Regional Hospital marks 300 AV fistula surgeries over five years, improving dialysis access for southern Jamaica. Education & Resilience: Hopewell Primary in St Elizabeth gets a US$1.44m climate-resilient upgrade to serve as both a school and emergency shelter.

Cruise & Connectivity: MBJ Airports CEO Shane Munroe says new international services this year are a vote of confidence in Montego Bay, including Wingo’s three-times-weekly Medellin route launched June 23. Caribbean Travel Deals: Air Transat is running summer fare promotions (July 6–19 booking window) with flights including Montego Bay, plus Europe and Africa options, and added flexibility for select fares. Tourism Product Spotlight: Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards list ranks Jamaica’s cliffside Tensing Pen among the Caribbean’s top resorts. Local Business & Recovery: Black River entrepreneurs in St Elizabeth say recovery after Hurricane Melissa is moving too slowly, with a “lull” in financing and government support. Visitor Economy Events: Christmas in July returns for its 12th staging at the Jamaica Pegasus (July 9–10), with 180 exhibitors showcasing locally made gifts and souvenirs. Health & Community Infrastructure: Hopewell Primary in St Elizabeth gets a US$1.44m climate-resilient upgrade to serve as a Category 5-ready learning and emergency shelter hub.

Tourism Leadership: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been named to the MIPAD Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality list (Class of 2026), spotlighting Jamaica’s tourism leadership and diaspora-focused work. Air Connectivity: MBJ Airports CEO Shane Munroe says new international routes, including Wingo’s Medellin service, signal airline confidence in Montego Bay and Jamaica’s tourism product. Tourism Jobs & Skills: The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will add alternative pathways for students who missed its summer internship programme, including help with credentials and training support. Health & Hospitality Workforce: Jamaica will rehire about 50 Cuban nurses under individual contracts after the end of the long-running bilateral medical cooperation, aiming to ease public health staffing gaps. Cruise Demand: Holland America is betting on longer Caribbean sailings in 2027-28, with more extended itineraries and added onboard/shore experiences across the region. Local Business Showcase: “Christmas in July” returns July 9-10 at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston, featuring 180 exhibitors of locally made gifts and souvenirs. Reparations Push: Jamaica’s reparations campaign is set to go directly to King Charles III via a September 6 UK petition, as debate continues in the Commonwealth.

Tourism Leadership: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been named to the MIPAD Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality list (Class of 2026), spotlighting Jamaica’s work on sustainable tourism, diaspora engagement, and destination resilience. Hotel & Community Impact: S Hotels Jamaica CEO Christopher Issa won JHTA Hotelier of the Year at the JHTA’s 65th AGM, with recognition tied to industry leadership during Hurricane Melissa recovery and the S for Shelters initiative supporting families with new homes. Heritage Tourism Boost: The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) announced a $12.2 million renovation of Norman Manley’s Roxborough birthplace, including upgrades to restrooms, signage, interpretive storyboards, and exhibition space, aiming to reopen next financial year. Tourism Workforce Health: Turks and Caicos’ TCHTA launched a Group Health Insurance initiative to expand affordable coverage for tourism workers and small businesses after changes to the Treatment Abroad Programme. Air Access Watch: Frontier is taking over eight former Spirit routes with low introductory fares, a move that could signal more budget route reshuffling across the Caribbean region. Travel Demand Signal: A report says travel to the US by Bahamians and other Caribbean nationals dipped in early 2026, citing higher costs and shifting spending priorities.

Caribbean Airlift Watch: Frontier is launching eight former Spirit routes with fares from as low as $39 one-way, a move that could signal more competitive options for Caribbean-bound travellers. Tourism & Culture: Jamaica’s Reggae Vibes Music re-released Turbulence’s “Jamaica Holiday,” positioning it as a modern soundtrack for the island and tying it to a feature film. Regional Integration Debate: A CARICOM Day discussion is back on the table, with renewed calls for the holiday to be recognised across the Caribbean. Jamaica Tourism Growth: Tourism stakeholders are pushing for more natural offerings and a modernised tourism authority mandate, while Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 framework continues to shape plans for year-round growth. Local Business & Skills: A Hanover youth entrepreneurship pilot is set for wider rollout after strong results, with tourism skills and MSME procurement access also highlighted as key to inclusive growth. Travel Safety Reminder: Reports of holidaymakers stranded at Gatwick after a “dodgy” meet-and-greet parking service are a cautionary tale for travellers booking add-ons.

Tourism & Culture: Reggae Vibes Music has re-released Turbulence’s “Jamaica Holiday,” positioning the track as a modern tourism soundtrack and tying it to the feature film of the same name. Air Access & Visitor Demand: Jamaica’s tourism push gets a boost as Canadian airlines add routes, with Jamaica expected to see a 22% increase in Canadian airlift capacity next winter. Luxury Stays: Travel And Tour World named its Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, spotlighting standout properties across the region. Local Tourism Talent: TPDCo’s Tourism Quiz Competition is back, with eight schools in the quarterfinals and a grand finale set for July 21—aimed at building youth knowledge of Jamaica’s tourism product. Infrastructure for Travel: Prime Minister Holness opened rehabilitated Caenwood Road in Portland under the SPARK programme, promising safer, smoother travel and longer-lasting roadworks. Business & Community: Hanover youth entrepreneurs from an SDC/Infiniti programme are set for wider rollout after a successful pilot, with stakeholders discussing expansion beyond Hanover.

Airlift Update: Sangster International Airport says passenger traffic is down 27% year-to-date, but recovery is steady as load factors reach 84.6% and flight frequencies improve after Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Promotion for Locals: UDC launches “Enjoy Your Jamaica” to get Jamaicans exploring summer attractions it manages, including Dunn’s River Falls perks and Ocho Rios “Summer Bonfire Saturdays.” New Visitor Push from Canada: With Canadian snowbirds shifting away from U.S. travel, Jamaica is set for a 22% jump in Canadian airlift capacity next winter as airlines add direct routes. Cruise Culture & Capacity: Nicko Cruises announces its 2027-28 world cruise with a Jamaica stop, while Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas prepares to debut in Europe—both signals of continued destination interest. Safety & Comfort: Jamaica’s Met Service urges hydration as hotter-than-normal conditions loom, with El Niño expected to intensify heat. Destination Experience: Castleton Botanical Gardens reopens after $170M rehabilitation, positioning the St Mary site as a tourism stop between Kingston and Ocho Rios. Community Business: Montego Bay mayor urges MSMEs to professionalise and chase government contracts, highlighting opportunities for tourism-linked small firms.