KINGSTON, Jamaica — Delano Seiveright, state minister in the ministry of tourism, says students and entrepreneurs should step boldly into the opportunities being created by a sweeping transformation in Jamaica’s tourism sector.

“We are in the midst of a tourism expansion unlike anything Jamaica has ever seen. This is more than new hotel rooms, it’s about reshaping communities, expanding industries, and opening doors for a new generation of professionals and business leaders, ” said the minister, while speaking at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) Tourism Career Expo Wednesday.

Ground is being broken for thousands of new hotel rooms with nearly 2,000 added just last year through the openings of Princess Resort in Hanover and RIU Palace Aquarelle in Trelawny. Major projects to come include Unico, Hard Rock and Moon Palace in Montego Bay, Harmony Cove in Trelawny, and an expansion by Bahia Principe, which includes villas, condos, a golf course, and housing for workers. Other significant investments are to come from Sandals, Royalton, Beaches, Secrets, Pinnacle, Viva Wyndham, and more.

“These developments are a signal,” Seiveright stressed. “They show a new approach to how we build and support the tourism ecosystem—bringing with them huge opportunities in food production, construction, logistics, design, entertainment, agriculture, and fisheries.”

He also pointed to the rise of community-based tourism through platforms like Airbnb.

In 2017, just under 60,000 local and international guests visited Jamaica via Airbnb. In 2024, that number skyrocketed to over 800,000, generating more than J$32 billion in earnings for local hosts.

“From Trench Town to Treasure Beach, everyday Jamaicans are welcoming the world—and earning real income,” he said. “This is what we mean by tourism for all.”

Urging students to think like entrepreneurs, Seiveright highlighted wide-open spaces in tourism support services—ranging from villa and guesthouse management, food delivery, and digital marketing to adventure tours, wellness, event planning, and app development.

“Tourism isn’t just a career path; it’s a business opportunity,” he stressed. “Jamaica needs innovators, builders, and problem-solvers.”

To meet growing demand, the ministry says it is ramping up training efforts through the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and new initiatives like the Tourism Entertainment Academy. Over 20,000 workers have been certified to date.