Ever since it was launched by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), a public body of the Ministry of Tourism of Jamaica, over three years ago, in response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, Jamaica’s unique initiative, the Tourism Innovation Incubator programme has played a key role in promoting and positioning Jamaica as a global centre of tourism innovation.

Highlighting the success of the incubator programme, Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says that the incubator programme has played a pivotal role in revolutionising Jamaica’s tourism industry, says a press statement by Jamaican Tourism Board.

Bartlett says that in 2024, the programme received as many as 222 applications, marking a 553 pc increase from the 34 applications received in its inaugural year in 2022.

Edmund Bartlett

“This exponential growth is not merely a statistic, it is a resounding vote of confidence in the programme’s potential and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in the veins of every Jamaican,” says Bartlett. 

“We are not just adapting to the future of tourism, we are actively shaping it. We are crafting experiences that will not only attract visitors but leave an indelible mark on their lives. We are building a tourism industry that is sustainable, authentic, and quintessentially Jamaican,’’ he adds.

Bartlett says that the Tourism Innovation Incubator is poised to generate significant job opportunities, particularly for youth, while enhancing visitor experiences and laying a solid foundation for sustainable tourism development in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the press statement adds, the Government of Jamaica continues to try and enhance visitor experiences and highlights a series of upgrades that have been carried out at the Sangster International Airport, which is the key international gateway for Jamaica. 

The recent upgrades at SIA include state-of-the-art and streamlined passenger processing systems, with biometrics, an expanded departure area with exciting retail and dining options, and an expansion of the runway, which it said has significantly contributed to SIA’s reputation as the leading airport in the region.