With the 36th staging of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) takes place in Ocho Rios last week (Sept. 14-17), Jamaica sent a “powerful signal” that it has nearly overcome the impact Hurricane Melissa and is ready and eager to welcome the world to its shores.
Citing a new era of growth, resilience and global partnership for the island, tourism minister Edmund Bartlett declared, “Jamaica is open and Jamaica is ready to welcome more tourism opportunities.”
With international buyers, tourism partners and industry stakeholders in attendance at JAPEX, Bartlett described the return of JAPEX to Ocho Rios for the first time in more than a decade as more than a logistical decision. Following the impact of Melissa on Jamaica’s western region, the relocation has become an opportunity to showcase the resilience of the destination, its tourism workers, businesses and communities.
“Today, approximately 80% of our hotels islandwide have reopened, with the remaining properties expected to resume operations in the first quarter of 2027.”
Presented by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the event has evolved into a key marketplace where partnerships are forged, contracts negotiated and Jamaica’s tourism product positioned before the international travel trade.
“JAPEX is not a showcase of speeches alone. It is a marketplace of opportunity,” Bartlett said, pointing to the event’s direct commercial impact.
JAPEX 2026 is taking place at a defining moment for Jamaica’s tourism industry as the country advances its Tourism 3.0 agenda and looks beyond traditional markets to unlock new opportunities for growth. The minister said Jamaica is also expanding its focus into Latin America and other emerging international markets, while strengthening airlift connectivity and increasing destination marketing investment.
“Even amid global uncertainty, shifting travel patterns, and the challenges nature has placed before us, Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to do what it has always done: adapt, innovate, and grow,” he said.
Royalton Resorts
Meanwhile, Royalton Hotels & Resorts reports that it has officially reopened its complete Jamaica portfolio, welcoming travellers back to five resorts across Negril and Montego Bay following a significant investment in accommodations, public spaces and the overall guest experience.
Royalton Negril, Royalton Hideaway Negril and Grand Lido Negril are now welcoming guests on Jamaica’s celebrated west coast, while Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters have reopened in Montego Bay, bringing the company’s full Jamaican resort collection back into operation.
Across the five resorts, extensive enhancements have introduced completely redesigned guestrooms and suites, blending a fresh, contemporary aesthetic and distinctive Jamaican character with the modern sophistication of Royalton Resorts. Refreshed public spaces and resort environments further complement the transformation across each property.
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