JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter

RIU Hotels & Resorts celebrated the people behind its success on June 18th, as the company marked 25 years of operations in Jamaica with a special anniversary event which was held at RIU Montego Bay.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of 25 veteran employees who have been with the company since the opening of its first Jamaican property, RIU Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, in 2001.

Team members were honoured for their dedication, loyalty and contribution to the growth of the company over the past quarter century.
The recognition underscored the important role employees have played in helping RIU expand from a single resort operation to seven properties across Jamaica while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences and service excellence.

RIU executives praised the honourees for their commitment and professionalism, noting that the company's success in Jamaica has been built not only on investment and expansion, but also on the strength of its people.

The anniversary celebration served as a reminder that employee engagement, retention and recognition remain critical pillars of sustainable growth in the tourism industry.

In Photo📷: From left- Naomi Riu presents Nadia Forrester with a long service award. Nadia has been with RIU for 25 years and was recently promoted to Human Resources Director.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing fathers. Thank you for your love, leadership, guidance and legacy.

As Jamaica's tourism industry continues to expand with new hotel developments and growing visitor arrivals, industry stakeholders are being encouraged to strengthen support for local manufacturers capable of supplying the sector's increasing demands.

Among the success stories is Therapedic Caribbean, a Jamaican manufacturer that has built a sustainable supply chain serving some of the country's largest hotels, resorts and villas.

Its client portfolio includes RIU Hotels, Bahia Principe, Half Moon Resort & Spa, Secrets Resorts & Spa, Jamaica Pegasus, Palmyra Resort & Spa, SuperClubs Resorts, and numerous villas and boutique properties across the island.

A member of The Morgans Group, which has been operating since 1974, Therapedic Caribbean has become a strong example of tourism linkages in action creating jobs, supporting local industry and helping to retain more tourism earnings within the Jamaican economy.

"As Jamaica's tourism sector grows, there is tremendous opportunity for more local manufacturers to expand their capacity and become part of the industry's supply chain," said Aswad Morgan, Director of The Morgans Group.

With billions of dollars being invested in new developments, tourism stakeholders, developers and policymakers are encouraged to continue investing in and supporting local manufacturers that have the potential to serve the industry's growing needs. By strengthening tourism linkages and expanding opportunities for Jamaican suppliers, the country can build a more inclusive, sustainable and economically impactful tourism sector for generations to come.

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For 23 years, MBJ Airports Limited has served as more than Jamaica's premier tourism gateway. It has been a significant driver of economic growth, employment, investment, and national development.

As the operator of Sangster International Airport, MBJ Airports Limited continues to play a critical role in supporting Jamaica's tourism industry, facilitating connectivity and creating opportunities that benefit communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

Below are the key figures that represent more than statistics. They reflect the collective efforts of the employees, partners, government stakeholders, airlines, concessionaires, and the Jamaican people who have contributed to the airport's success over the past 23 years.

✅85.1 Million Passengers Served
✅956,180 Aircraft Movements
✅US$383.2 Million Invested
✅US$517.4 Million Contributed in Taxes and Fees
✅7,500 Jobs Supported
✅81% Jamaican-Owned Businesses Operating at the Airport
✅439,888 Sq. Ft. Constructed
✅69,674 Sq. Ft. Currently Under Construction

Data Source📊:

Ocean Signature Resorts Jamaica recently honoured the island's leading travel agencies during its Annual Local Travel Agencies Awards Gala, recognizing outstanding contributions to Jamaica's tourism sector and the continued growth of Caribbean travel.

Held at Ocean Eden Bay, the event culminated a four-day immersive experience designed to strengthen partnerships with local travel advisors through resort training, destination experiences, and industry networking.

Go! Jamaica Travel Limited captured the top award as Overall Room Nights and Revenue Production Champion for 2025, while Leisure for Pleasure Holidays & Tours secured the first runner-up position. Additional awards recognized top-performing agencies including Lions Adventure Tours, P&S Events and Vacations, and Unlimited Connections.

The awards programme highlighted the critical role travel advisors play in driving visitor arrivals, strengthening destination awareness, and supporting the continued growth of Jamaica's tourism economy.

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter proudly salutes and celebrates our esteemed butlers on International Butler’s Day.

From Jamaica’s luxury resorts to world-class villas, our butlers continue to elevate service excellence through personalized hospitality, professionalism, warmth, and authentic Jamaican charm. Their dedication plays a vital role in shaping unforgettable guest experiences and strengthening Destination Jamaica’s reputation as a leading luxury tourism destination.

Today, we honour the passion, precision, and commitment of the men and women who represent the very best of Jamaican hospitality.

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter extends warm birthday wishes to our Area Chairman, Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly.

Wishing you a day filled with joy, success, and blessings. Happy Birthday!

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter joined the nation in observing Labour Day 2026 through two impactful community projects aimed at uplifting and beautifying communities within Montego Bay. These include:- a clean-up initiative at the SOS Children’s Village and support for the St. James Municipal Corporation at the Rose Heights Community Centre through landscaping and painting activities.

Thank you to all chapter members who participated in the Labour Day 2026 activities and carried out community projects across various communities in Montego Bay.

A special thank you is also extended to Half Moon, SNL Jamaica Tours, Jamaica Tours, and SeaGarden Beach Resort for their continued support and sponsorship of the Chapter’s adopted community projects. Your partnership and commitment to community development continue to make a meaningful impact across Montego Bay.

Your dedication, teamwork, and commitment to community development continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of many while strengthening the spirit of volunteerism and nation building.

Jamaica’s tourism capital is poised to benefit from stronger digital resilience and enhanced cybersecurity following the official launch of Liberty Business Jamaica at the White Witch, Rose Hall in Montego Bay on Tuesday, May 20.

The launch marked a major investment in western Jamaica’s digital future, with telecommunications provider Liberty Business announcing plans to establish its headquarters in Montego Bay.

Representatives from the JHTA Montego Bay Chapter were among stakeholders and business leaders in attendance at the launch, underscoring the growing importance of technology, connectivity, and cybersecurity within Jamaica’s tourism industry.

The investment is expected to significantly benefit hotels, attractions, tourism operators, and hospitality businesses by improving enterprise connectivity, cloud services, managed IT support, and cybersecurity solutions across the region.

Jamaica’s tourism sector has become increasingly digital by relying heavily on online bookings, cashless transactions, guest data systems, remote operations, cybersecurity and reliable digital infrastructure which are essential to maintaining visitor confidence and protecting business operations.

In Photo📷: From Left: Nadine Spence, Managing Director of Sixt Rent A Car and 4th VP of the JHTA; Stephen Price, Vice-President and General Manager of FLOW and Liberty Business Jamaica; Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, Regional Commerial Director for Royalton Resorts and 2nd VP for JHTA.