OCHO RIOS, St Ann — With Jamaica’s summer calendar heating up, and the country seeing a strong return in tourism, portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett is encouraging visitors not only to vacation on the island, but to invest as well.

Speaking on Fyah 105’s morning programme The BIM Show during Radio Remote Week at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Bartlett pointed to a packed summer line-up including Reggae Sumfest, Dream Weekend, and Best Weekend Ever as part of Jamaica’s appeal.

“Reggae Sumfest is happening soon, Dream Weekend is happening, Best Weekend Ever is also happening… so many events for the summer in Jamaica,” Bartlett said.

“We’re not just saying come for vacation alone, we’re also saying come for investments; invest in Jamaica,” he added.

Bartlett highlighted the island’s rapid recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, noting that Jamaica has seen a strong rebound in visitor arrivals and infrastructure.

“After experiencing the worst hurricane arguably on planet Earth, and within six months… you’re looking around to see, did you have a hurricane?” he said. “It’s a really big tribute to the people, the leadership of our country, and the collaboration that we enjoyed with the diaspora.”

According to the minister, Jamaica welcomed approximately one million visitors in the first three months following the hurricane, with the majority of damaged hotels already back in operation.

“If we keep this speed, then we expect that by the end of the year we would have had pretty much 90 per cent or so return,” he added.

He also pointed to a continued confidence from international airline partners.

“We haven’t lost a single one of the airline partners… in fact, we’re getting more,” Bartlett said, pointing to expanded routes from carriers including Southwest, Breeze Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Wingo, and Copa Airlines.

Meanwhile, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis is positioning Ocho Rios as a leading hub for entertainment and tourism.

“Ocho Rios is the party capital of Jamaica, and I’ve coined it that way because we are doing what is necessary to build an industry,” Belnavis said. “That entertainment industry, as far as I’m concerned, is very lucrative.”

He pointed to events such as the We Vacay party series held over the Easter period as evidence of the parish’s growing appeal.

Belnavis also highlighted the parish’s diverse ecotourism offerings, from iconic natural attractions to emerging experiences.

Among them is Dunn’s River Falls, which he described as “the number one attraction in the entire Caribbean”.

“You know that it’s a cascading waterfall that runs right into the sea… it’s really, really iconic,” he said.

He also pointed to Blue Hole, river attractions, snorkelling, rafting, and newer experiences such as the Poco Loco floating bar.

“It’s just very aquatic in its nature… paired with sun, sea, and just a glorious place to be,” Belnavis added.

The mayor further noted ongoing development in the parish, including the recent opening of a conference centre, which is expected to boost meetings and business tourism.

“It’s going to be a real estate boom in this area,” he said.

Public relations officer at Jamaica Tourist Board Sicourney Jackson reinforced the message that the island is ready to welcome visitors.

“So right here, right now, we have 21 radio stations broadcasting from the UK and Canada, and Jamaica is open and ready to accept you,” she said.

“If you really want to support Jamaica… visit Jamaica,” she said, echoing the sentiments of tourism minister Bartlett. Jackson acknowledged that while the island is still rebuilding, progress has been steady.

“We may not be at 100 per cent… but we are doing our best as a country, and we’re doing wonderfully so far,” she said, while praising the hard work of locals working in the tourism industry who many have sacrificed comfort to play their part in rebuilding the industry.

With international interest increasing, these stakeholders say Jamaica’s recovery is not only a testament to resilience but also an invitation. Be it cultural festivals, ecotourism adventures, or investment opportunities, the message is loud and clear: Jamaica is open and ready.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis (left) poses with Fyah 105 hosts Jade and DJ Bambino during Radio Remote Week at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios.

BARTLETT… highlighted the island’s rapid recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Fyah 105 host Jade enjoys the electric ATV adventure offering at Mystic Mountain during Radio Remote Week in Ocho Rios.

UK radio personality Dr Neil Fox prepares to take on the famous bobsled ride at Mystic Mountain, a signature adventure experience inspired by Jamaica’s Olympic legacy.

Sandals Resorts ambassadors Chris and Tracy Smith, who have made over 1,000 paid visits to Sandals properties, share a ‘Gaza’ moment with Fyah 105 hosts Jade (2nd left) and DJ Bambino (right) following their interview on The BIM Show, signaling their love for the dancehall king Vybz Kartel.

Fyah 105 hosts Jade and DJ Bambino soak in the vibes at the Poco Loco floating bar, one of Ocho Rios’ unique seaside attractions, during the final excursion of Radio Remote Week.