KINGSTON, JAMAICA, March 12, 2025 – Leaders of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), including Director of Tourism, Donovan White, celebrated the start of the island’s spring travel season on Wednesday, February 25^th with an event at Jumieka Grand in New York City. Attended by media, travel specialists, tourism partners and community members, the celebration treated guests to a taste of Carnival and spring break in Jamaica.

Attendees enjoyed authentic Jamaican cuisine and drinks delivered by renowned Caribbean Chef Kemis Lawrence at NYC’s newest Jamaican restaurant, Jumieka Grand, as well as reggae music and dazzling performances by Carnival dancers.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, also shared the latest updates on the island’s expanding hotel offerings, plans for a new airport terminal in Montego Bay, and the development of a new international airport in Negril. He also discussed the JTB’s efforts to integrate AI into their tourism product, without losing human touch and hospitality.

“Jamaica is experiencing a record-breaking 2025 with an unprecedented 1.6 million airline seats bringing visitors to the island,” said Director White. “New and upcoming hotel expansions across several properties including Princess Resorts and Grand Palladium will meet this growing demand, while our expanding airport and highway infrastructure will make travel to and around the island more seamless than ever. And for the first time, visitors can plan their trip with the help of AI, thanks to the 24-hour Virtual Jamaica Travel Specialist, available on our website.”

These updates come as Jamaica prepares for its “Season of Excitement” with various entertainment, sporting and cultural events set to take place throughout the spring season, including the inaugural and highly-anticipated Grand Slam Track (April 4-6) event, featuring the sport’s biggest stars in head-to-head competition, and the festive spirit of Carnival in Jamaica (April 21-28). Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose, was also in attendance to share sentiments about Jamaica’s upcoming happenings.

“As we enter the spring travel season, Jamaica will continue to leverage its premiere cultural events like Carnival to drive tourism and enhance the visitor experience,” said Deputy Director Philip Rose. “A vibrant and colorful celebration rooted in Caribbean history, Jamaica Carnival is something every traveler must experience in their lifetime. Through cuisine, dance and music, we’re delighted to have brought a glimpse of this iconic event to New York.”

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com. 

###

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com