From the Editor
As we wrap up 2024, we’re thrilled to present our Christmas edition of The Millennial Marketer, showcasing Jamaica's remarkable progress towards the 21st century.
This issue brings exciting news for tech-savvy Jamaicans: Scotia Bank is introducing Apple Pay and Samsung Pay to the local market in 2025. This game-changing development will allow Jamaicans to make payments using their phones and watches with local bank cards, marking a significant step forward in our digital payment landscape.
The Tourism sector continues to flourish, with Jamaica welcoming over 2 million stopover visitors and approximately 3 million total visitors by September 2024. Our island has seen the addition of several luxury properties, including the Princess Senses The Mangrove, and Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle, adding 2,000 new rooms to accommodate growing tourism demands.
THE GIFT OF HEALTH
Looking ahead to 2025, we're excited to announce new direct flights from Lisbon, Portugal, to Montego Bay through World2Fly. This service will boost our European visitor arrivals by roughly 7,000 passengers during the summer season, further strengthening our position as a premier Caribbean destination.
Perhaps most inspiring is our feature on Jamaica's technological revolution. Minister Daryl Vaz's vision of a future-ready Jamaica, where autonomous transportation and smart infrastructure become reality, shows our nation's commitment to embracing innovation.
As we celebrate this festive season, these developments remind us that Jamaica continues to grow, innovate, and excel on the global stage.
From all of us at The Millennial Marketer, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Warm Regards,
Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER
APPLE AND SAMSUNG PAY COMING TO JAMAICA
By next year, Jamaicans can make payments by swiping their phones or watches using Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, backed by local bank cards. “We are bringing new payment systems, like Apple Pay. It is coming to the market,” said Scotia president and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry in a press conference on Monday.
Jamaicans with Apple or Samsung accounts can make payments online or by swiping their phones in stores. It, however, requires loading the "wallet" with an overseas bank account. Scotia expects to widen access by allowing the loading of these wallets with local Scotia bank accounts.
Apple Pay will be rolled out first, followed by Samsung Pay. However, the timeline for Google Pay has yet to be announced.
“These are services that you will see hopefully next year and maybe sooner,” said SGJ head of retail banking and small business, Perrin Gayle.
He’s currently testing Apple Pay on his phone and making payments in stores and online. The app is linked to his local Scotia credit card, and he plans to expand the testing to debit cards.
"It works!" he said.
In the US, data indicate that Apple Pay and Google Pay each control one-third of the mobile wallet market. Coinbase holds about one-quarter, and the six alternatives hold the remaining 10%.
Earlier this year, Jamaica exited the Anti-Money Laundering grey list of nations with weak measures to prevent illicit money transfers.
SGJ reported a net profit of $5.4 billion for the third quarter ending July 2024, a 7% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. This performance was driven by growth across its business lines. For the nine months ending July, the group's net income reached $14 billion, an increase of 11% higher year on year.
RADICAL JAGUAR REBRAND, NEW LOGO SPARK IRE
A promotional video for rebranding British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits—no cars. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch on Dec. 2 during the Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric GT model. But Jaguar Land Rover, India’s Tata Motors Limited unit, has been promoting it online.
The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.”
The promotional video on X and Instagram shows models in futuristic, brightly colored outfits walking in an alien-like landscape. The copy reads, “Br” peak Moulds. "
It drew ire online, with people complaining about the lack of a car and the confusing message. X owner Elon Musk wrote on X, “Do you sell cars?” People also complained about the new, stylized logo. The “leaper” jaguar image has also been reimagined.
Charles Taylor, marketing professor at the Villanova School of Business in Villanova, Pennsylvania, said the promotional video strikes the wrong tone for potential buyers and said the company is making a mistake by not using the brand’s heritage as an elegant British high-performance sports car in its marketing.
“If they came back with a good electric vehicle, they could build on their prior image instead of throwing out the brand's heritage and going in this direction,” he said. “It’s hard to see how the market of people that would like that approach is large enough for them to thrive.”
Rebranding is a common tactic for companies seeking to increase sales. On Wednesday, Campbell Soup Co. officially changed its name to Campbell’s Company, and companies like Airbnb and Instagram update their logos occasionally.
But if they strike the wrong chord, the result can be disastrous. Past rebranding failures include Tropicana's 2009 logo change to omit its trademark orange—it soon changed it back. Radio Shack rebranded to “The Shack” in 2008, alienating its core shoppers before filing for bankruptcy protection in 2015.
Jaguar Land Rover, based in Whitney, Coventry, in the United Kingdom, did not respond to a request for comment.
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AIR CANADA TO INCREASE FLIGHTS INTO JAMAICA FOR WINTER TOURIST SEASON
Air Canada will fly 14 times weekly to the island during the winter tourist season of 2024/25.
“We will be flying three times per week from Montreal to Montego Bay, seven times a week from Toronto to Montego Bay, and also four times a week from Toronto to Kingston,” said Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Air Canada Vacations, Hugo Coulombe.
He addressed the 28th annual Canadian Travel Golf Tournament Dinner at Sandals Ocho Rios Beach Resort in St Ann. Coulombe said Canada is Jamaica’s second-biggest source market, behind the United States. He noted that the island has always been a preferred destination for visitors from North America.
“Air Canada Vacations has been in business in Jamaica for more than 40 years… and this is without counting the 75 years that Air Canada has been flying to Jamaica,” he pointed out. Coulombe further said that more direct flights from Canada to Jamaica will boost the winter tourist season, which begins on December 15 and runs until April 2025. He advised that the airline has primarily addressed the challenges associated with airlifts. “We continue to work with all our partners, as is evident with the continued support for this prestigious golf tournament, which has been going on for 28 years and continues to grow,” Coulombe said.
For his part, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, said the now well-established and internationally recognized tournament brings together overseas participants for a weekend of golf and an up-close-and-personal view of Jamaican tourism offerings.
He described the event as a good example of how a marriage between sports and tourism can work and strengthen bonds for the benefit of various stakeholders. Sadler said the goal is not just to sell a vacation but also an experience that includes not only exceptional golfing but also the warmth and hospitality of the Jamaican people. “Share your stories, your experiences. Tell your clients about the incredible courses, the breathtaking views, and the unforgettable moments you’ve had here,” he urged the travel advisors.
Winston Chang, the Business Development Manager at Unique Vacations, said the golf tournament highlights travel agents' significant role in shaping consumer perceptions.
He noted that personal recommendations and first-hand experiences have become invaluable with the rise of online booking platforms. “Agents equipped with knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for a destination can significantly influence their clients’ travel choices,” said Chang.
50TH HEALTH CENTRE ADOPTED UNDER GOV’T
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has reached a significant milestone in its Adopt-a-Clinic Programme.
The Sandy Bay Health Centre in Hanover became the 50th facility to be adopted, following a ceremony on Friday (November 15) formalizing the arrangement.
Philanthropists James and Manuela Goren have adopted the facility through their Stella and Dolphi Goren Foundation, which has committed $3 million in funding for 2023-2026 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The husband and wife, originally from Italy and has lived in Jamaica for years, invested approximately $8 million in infrastructure improvements at the facility before the formal adoption ceremony.
Health Minister Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton welcomed the milestone and said services at the Sandy Bay Health Centre, which currently serves approximately 300 residents monthly, are expected to expand following its adoption. He further indicated that the Ministry would review staffing levels to accommodate the anticipated service increase.
“This [Adopt-A-Clinic] initiative is great because health is a partnership. Whether you are rich or poor or middle of the road, when it comes to sickness [and health], there is going to come a point when you need some support from [for example] a clinically trained technician. So it makes health and healthcare all our business,” Dr. Tufton maintained.
He also mentioned the prospect of additional partnerships to adopt other health centres, pointing out, "I hear five more are in the pipeline.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Goren and his wife noted their deep affection for Jamaica and its people. They stated that the vision for the Sandy Bay Health Centre includes expanding the clinic’s capabilities to offer additional services, such as x-rays, and reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for essential healthcare.
“We would like to thank Dr. Tufton for this incredible initiative because we all know that one of the most important things today is health, and we know that it’s vital to have good hospitals [and clinics],” Mr. Goren underscored.
“Plus, we have fallen in love with the Jamaican people who are wonderful, welcoming, so happy, always with a smile, and my wife and I decided to do whatever we could to [further] improve Jamaica and the life of the Jamaican people,” he added.
The Adopt-a-Clinic Programme is intended to proactively leverage the support of the Jamaican private sector and Diaspora to play a more critical role in improving the primary healthcare system.
The initiative has garnered over $200 million in funding since its inception in 2017.
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HOW TO SAVE AND GET THE BEST OPTIONS AT BANKS
In today’s world, where information is just a click away, navigating the complex jargon banks use can still feel overwhelming when trying to make the best financial decisions. In this article, we’ll break down some standard banking terms you encounter in daily transactions and help you understand how to use them to your advantage so you can save money and make smarter financial choices.
BUY CASH VS BUY CHEQUE RATES
There are usually three rates that most people see quoted when they go to a bank or any cambio. These three rates are generally the buy cash rate, the buy cheque/demand/draft rate, and the sell rate. The buy cash rate is the rate you will receive if you exchange the physical bank notes with the bank. So, if you exchange US$100 (USD) in physical cash with the bank at the buy cash rate of $137.59, you will receive 13,759 Jamaican dollars (JMD). If this seems low, it is.
Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Deputy Governor Natalie Haynes explained at a recently held quarterly press briefing that while Jamaica has ten correspondent banks, only Bank of America is willing to accept physical USD cash, which carries a cost of US$0.10 – US$0.20 on every dollar remitted up north. Thus, most local banks will offer 10-20 JMD spreads between their buy cash vs. sell rate, meaning they charge $10 to $20 more when selling USD than when buying it, allowing them to cover costs and profit on the exchange.
If you want a better conversion rate, consider opening a USD or foreign currency account with your bank. Doing so allows you to take advantage of the bank’s buy cheque or demand draft rate, which is significantly better than the buy cash rate. For example, if you deposit US$100 into your bank account, you could convert it online or through a mobile app at a rate of US$1 = J$152.52, giving you J$15,252. That’s an extra J$1,493 in your pocket compared to the buy cash rate.
Alternatively, if you need to convert foreign currency quickly, you might visit a licensed cambio. They typically offer a buy cash rate of around J$148, which would get you J$14,800 for USD 100. While Cambios are often associated with remittances, some stockbrokers have Cambio services that offer even better rates, such as J$154.90.
ACH vs RTGS
Often, people may see these two terms when transferring to other banks and don’t understand what they mean. So, let’s simplify them. ACH means automated clearing house and is a transfer method that JETS Limited operates. It’s a slower transfer method done in batches with two windows each day, usually around 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. When you transfer before each period, the money reaches the other bank several hours later. ACH is free at some banks and costs around $20 to the sender in most instances, but there is no cost to the receiver. ACH transactions have a $1 million limit, with any higher transfer amounts having to be done through RTGS.
HOW TO SAVE AND GET THE BEST OPTIONS AT BANKS...
RTGS stands for real-time gross settlement, a transfer method controlled by the BOJ. It’s usually swift for inter-bank transfers, with funds sometimes reaching as quickly as 15 minutes or within an hour. The only caveat for RTGS is that both the sender's and receiver’s bank will charge a fee to send and receive an RTGS transfer. Thus, the sender might pay $155 to initiate the transfer, while the receiver might have $197.42 deducted from the funds they just received.
So, ACH is perfect for transfers under $1 million that don’t need to be reached immediately, while RTGS transfers are done when the recipient needs the funds urgently. ACH charges no fees to the receiver, while RTGS charges fees for both parties.
SAVINGS VS. CHEQUING ACCOUNT
While many are aware that a savings account is to save money, most people use it for their daily transactions since some chequing accounts carry maintenance fees. Over the last few years, banks have begun to develop transactional accounts that hold lower fees when doing transactions at automated teller machines (ATM) and point of sale (POS) devices. Therefore, you can open a new account online and contact customer care to switch the account attached to your card to that new transactional account. This way, you can pay a reduced or no fee when withdrawing cash. Also, some banks have no ACH fees for specific accounts or withdrawal fees for some savings accounts.
As it relates to a saving account, while interest rates aren’t always great with the banks, JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited, CIBC Caribbean (Jamaica), and National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) have the best weighted average savings rates in the market as per BOJ publications. Using a savings account for its intended function is better since some banks tend to add higher transaction fees on these accounts over chequing/transactional accounts.
TRAVEL REWARD VS CASH BACK
When assessing the value of a credit card reward, understand how the points to receive those rewards are calculated to ensure you’re getting the best deal. In the case of a cashback card, if the credit card calculates cash back based on every US$1 you spend, you will likely rack up fewer points than another credit card that offers a cash back feature, which is calculated as a percentage of each transaction. NCBJ and the Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica (BNSJ) are two banks in the market that offer cash-back reward cards based on the percentage of each transaction done. Thus, a $10,000 transaction with a 1% cash back feature will equal 100 points vs another credit card that will give 63 points due to the current foreign exchange rate.
Regarding travel reward cards, it’s essential to do your research carefully. Some cards have valuable protection features for international travel, such as trip cancellation coverage, lost luggage insurance, and auto rental protection. Other branded travel credit cards with an airline tend to give additional points if you spend with that card but check to see how many points you will need to get a ticket or the conversion rate for your points to purchase a ticket. Therefore, while some travel credit cards might seem significant, are you getting the best value if you only earn points for every US$1 you spend when you might not travel as much and can benefit way better from a regular cash-back credit card?
WE MUST ALL EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY
Advancements in modern technology since the 1970s have been nothing short of amazing. The world has not been the same since January 1, 1983, widely regarded as the official birthday of the Internet. Humanity has increasingly relied on technology to improve efficiency and make life easier for most people.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that, with the leap to artificial intelligence (AI) development, we are now seeing a real threat to jobs.
This issue, which is both encouraging and troubling, was explored in detail in a Business Observer Special Report last Wednesday. The report highlighted data from a McKinsey Global Institute study that automation could take over almost a third of jobs worldwide by 2030.
Experts have said that job displacement, not limited to factory work or technology, will also creep into other industries, such as health care, retail, and even the creative industries. Some of these industries are already feeling the impact.
The Business Observer series also cited the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, which stated that some 69 million jobs will be created in the next five years, driven by new technologies and the green transition. However, these will be counterbalanced by another 83 million jobs put at risk due to economic pressures and automation.
“This means one-quarter of today’s jobs will be disrupted in the next five years,” the report noted.
A daunting projection by experts is that travel agents, switchboard operators, bank tellers, meter readers, data entry clerks, prepress technicians, fast food workers, customer service representatives, referees, telemarketers, farm workers, translators, librarians, accountants, bookkeepers, proofreaders, textile workers, and toll booth operators are likely to become extinct over time as the use of AI becomes more prevalent.
We also read that Forbes magazine, referencing a Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University report, indicated that AI will replace as many as two million manufacturing workers by 2025.
Naturally, the solution to this evolution is not to roll over and die. Indeed, mankind has, for centuries, demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges to our existence.
Against that background, we commend those who have already started equipping themselves with skills that are harder to automate or have begun considering new career choices that are less likely to become extinct amid this technological shift.
The Business Observer Special Report quoted Dr Donovan Stanberry, Mona campus registrar at The University of the West Indies (UWI), as saying that the university is seeing an uptick in students studying software engineering and computer science as the younger generation looks more to tech-based jobs.
We are encouraged by Dr. Stanberry’s revelation that The UWI, to satisfy the current needs of its students and the labor market, is adjusting its programs and courses “to incorporate new elements based on the trends.”
At the same time, we refer Jamaicans to business operators like Mr. Adrian Dunkley, CEO of data company StarApple Analytics, who has already embraced the technology, using it to improve efficiency. That’s the way to go.
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THE FUTURE IS HERE!
Jamaica’s youths are being urged to embrace technology with open minds and fully utilize its resources and opportunities so that, within the next five years, they can contribute to developing a future-ready and globally dominant country.
“The Government of Jamaica is deeply committed to positioning our country at the forefront of the technological revolution,” said Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport.
“We’re actively investing in telecommunications and technology to build a better future where no one is left behind.”
The Minister addressed the second annual TeenTechJa, a technology conference held yesterday at the Wolmer’s Boys’ School auditorium in Kingston.
He noted that, through various partnerships, the government is ensuring that the nation is fully equipped to meet the demands of the digital age and that, in the future, “all Jamaicans, no matter their location, have access to the benefits of modern technology.”
Minister Vaz said that as the world evolves through the use and development of new technologies, new jobs are being created, making some current roles obsolete. As such, he noted that Jamaicans, as a collective, “must nurture a culture of innovation,” motivating youngsters to think and act creatively.
“Transformative technologies are shaping our future,” he continued, pointing to, for example, the use of satellite direct-to-device connectivity, “which represents a significant lead towards connecting the unconnected.”
“As we prepare for the next 25 years, it is important to reflect on the tremendous potential of technology to reshape our society,” the minister said.
“Just imagine, two decades from now, our youths could live in a Jamaica where autonomous transportation systems connect our cities seamlessly. Where smart homes and businesses operate on fully renewable energy and where every individual is digitally connected to services that enhance their quality of life. The future is not a distant dream; it is within our reach, and we strive to get there.”
THE FUTURE IS HERE!... 2/2
DO THE NECESSARY WORK
TeenTechJa was held this year under the theme, ‘The Future is Here! We Are Ready!’ and featured access to various workshops, presentations, and interactive activities designed to prepare young minds for the rapidly evolving technology industry.
This initiative was founded by Davia Bryan Campbell, chief executive officer of EduHub Company Limited.
In his remarks, Dr Mark Smith, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), noted the importance of technology in society, stating that it is used to address the country's evolving needs and demands.
“We must embrace education positioned to focus on technology and becomes a mechanism to ensure that our society, and our students, are ready for the fourth industrial revolution – a revolution that promises so much,” Smith said.
“But it’s not going to be able to lift this country from where we are economically if you are not prepared to take on the mantle and do the necessary work.”
He encouraged the youngsters to construct a new reality that would impact their lives, their families' lives, and ultimately the wider community and nation.
“When we talk about transforming the landscape of Jamaica, we must understand that technology is going to be moving things forward whether or not we are ready for it,” the JTA president said.
He noted that a high level of transformation could be brought about in society with “an army of young people” who understood the value of technology and used it as a “productivity tool.”
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WHAT THE SPIRIT AIRLINES BANKRUPTCY MEANS
FOR TRAVELERS
Spirit Airlines, the largest budget carrier in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday. The airline said customers should not see any disruption to their travel plans while the process unfolds.
The filing followed years of struggles for the Florida-based airline, known for its low-cost, no-frills flights. Spirit failed to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic due to rising operating expenses and stiff competition. Since the beginning of 2020, the airline has lost over US$2.5 billion while raising mounting debt.
The bankruptcy proceedings are aimed at restructuring the company and shoring its finances. Still, unease around the bankruptcy petition may have some travelers looking elsewhere for flights ahead of the busy holiday travel season.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
EFFECT ON BOOKINGS OR LOYALTY POINTS
For now, it’s business as usual. Spirit expects to continue operating normally throughout the bankruptcy process and that travelers can continue making reservations and taking flights without interruptions.
The company said all existing tickets, credits, and loyalty points remain valid, as do the airline’s affiliated credit cards and other membership perks.
According to Sarah Foss, global head of legal at financial services company Debtwire, reassuring customers that the bankruptcy won’t impact their travel plans or loyalty programs will be crucial to Spirit’s short-term ability to preserve business.
“If you’re someone who’s booking your holiday December travel, are you going to book Spirit, which is in bankruptcy? Or will you choose Southwest or Delta – or something else that you view as potentially more stable?” Foss said.
She said that if Spirit is on track to reach a deal with lenders relatively quickly and avoid wider liquidation, frequent flyer miles, and other loyalty programs should remain untouched. However, customers' responses to Chapter 11 could threaten the company’s turnaround efforts.
Foss said Spirit estimates show some 34.3 billion frequent-flyer miles worth about US$105 million are currently unredeemed. “A rush to use these miles or otherwise have its customers choose another airline to travel for the holidays could be disastrous for the airline’s reorganization efforts,” she said.
WHAT THE SPIRIT AIRLINES BANKRUPTCY MEANS FOR TRAVELERS
WILL THERE BE FEWER FLIGHTS AVAILABLE DOWN THE ROAD?
While Spirit says currently scheduled flights won’t be affected, the airline already warned about tightened capacity before Monday’s filing and said it would reduce the number of trips it offered in the coming months.
In a highly unusual move, Spirit announced plans to cut its October-December schedule by nearly 20% compared with last year's period. The airline also has had to ground dozens of its Airbus jets due to required repairs to Pratt & Whitney engines.
According to some analysts, a reduced schedule should help boost Spirit’s fares, but it would give the airline’s rivals more of a boost than Spirit itself. Deutsche Bank and Raymond James Analysts say Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest would benefit the most because they overlap with Spirit on many routes.
Spirit flies in and out of destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The airline’s largest hub is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. Spirit is the biggest airline at the airport, accounting for 30% of all passengers in August, according to US Transportation Department figures.
Spirit’s second-biggest hub is also in Florida: Orlando International Airport. Spirit follows Southwest only regarding passenger counts, ranking slightly ahead of Delta, Frontier, and American. The airline also has significant Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles operations. Its most extensive maintenance facilities are in Detroit and Houston.
According to the US Transportation Department, Spirit frequently ranks among US airlines with the highest consumer complaint rates.
OTHER BUDGET AIRLINES
Spirit may still be the most significant discount airline in the US, but it faces more competition. The company recorded much of its recent losses as more and more rival carriers began offering their versions of low-cost, no-frills tickets.
Some of Spirit’s biggest competitors are other budget airlines, like Frontier and JetBlue, both of which previously tried to merge with Spirit. JetBlue and Spirit abandoned their latest deal this year after a federal judge sided with the Justice Department in its lawsuit to block the US$3.8 billion deal, arguing it would drive up prices too much for customers who depend on low fares.
Major carriers also offer competitive, tiered pricing today. Southwest’s ‘Wanna Get Away’ fares and the basic-economy options offered by United and Delta, for example, have become popular with budget-conscious travelers.
JAMAICA CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING VISITOR FIGURES
FROM THE
UK
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is thrilled to announce that arrivals from the UK to Jamaica have again reached recordbreaking levels.
The January to June 2024 figures show a significant 14% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This achievement again makes Jamaica the Caribbean’s top destination for UK travelers, underscoring the island’s appeal as a leading travel destination.
“The growing number of UK tourists arriving in Jamaica is a pivotal moment for our tourism sector, highlighting the strength of our brand and the attractiveness of our offerings. This increase supports our economy and fosters cultural exchange and understanding. We are focused on building upon this momentum by continuously improving our infrastructure and experiences to ensure that Jamaica remains a favored destination for travelers." said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.
The growth reflects Jamaica’s continuing allure for UK visitors drawn to its unparalleled combination of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and worldrenowned hospitality. The latest figures are a testament to Jamaica’s tourism sector's hard work and an indication of an exciting future. With a lineup of luxury hotel openings and a calendar filled with events celebrating the island’s rich culture, music, and culinary heritage, combined with the ease of travel to the island with many direct flights, 2025 is set to elevate Jamaica’s tourism profile further.
Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, shared his enthusiasm: “These record-breaking figures highlight Jamaica’s enduring popularity among UK travellers, and we are thrilled to be the top choice in the Caribbean. This growth reaffirms that Jamaica’s unique cultural experiences, from our pristine beaches to our authentic reggae music, deeply resonate with visitors.
As we look forward to 2025, our commitment is to continue enhancing our offerings with new luxury hotels and an array of cultural and culinary events. We invite travelers from around the world to experience the unparalleled warmth and beauty of Jamaica.”
“We are thrilled to see visitor numbers from the UK to Jamaica reaching record highs. This impressive growth is a testament to the dedication of our industry partners and our unwavering commitment to enhancing the unique experience that Jamaica has to offer,” shared Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK and Northern Europe.
JAMAICA MARKS 2024 AS THE YEAR OF GROWTH, CULTURE,
AND INNOVATION
Jamaica’s tourism landscape will flourish in 2025 with an array of new luxury hotel openings and an exciting calendar of events celebrating the island's rich culture and culinary heritage. This year has ushered in a wave of new luxury accommodations, including the Princess Senses The Mangrove, Princess Grand Hotels, and the Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle. Finally, Portland Parish welcomed the Trident Hotel, with 11 oceanfront villas around a private cove. The year has brought an additional 2,000 rooms to the island, significantly increasing bandwidth for the ever-increasing tourism demand.
Jamaica also welcomed Pompey, Diplo’s new luxury offering in Portland. The hideaway, surrounded by forests, offers a fully equipped production studio and a mix of private and communal spaces. Pompey is designed as a refuge for creativity and relaxation. Guests can indulge in water sports, mountain biking, and Portland’s nightlife.
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, has revealed that based on preliminary figures, Jamaica has welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors and around 3 million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between January 1 and September 14, 2024, pointing towards an increase in figures in comparison to 2023. Bartlett said, “The latest arrival figures are remarkable for Jamaica. The tourism sector has earned approximately $2.97 billion since the year began. Despite various challenges, including Hurricane Beryl and tightness about airlift, the sustained recovery and growth demonstrates and reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism sector and the continued appeal of Jamaica as a premier travel destination.”
Luxury developments have also enhanced existing properties this year, with Montego Bay's Round Hill adding the Villa 14 estate featuring three luxury villas and staff quarters —and Half Moon preparing to unveil its new multi-bedroom Prestige Ocean & Ocean Villas in November, which will add private villas to the oceanfront property in Rose Hall.
Additional upcoming projects include Montego Bay’s Unico Hotel 18º77º, Planet Hollywood Royalton in St. Thomas Parish and Planet Hollywood Royalton planned for Trelawny, bringing upwards of 1,600 additional rooms.
Expanding the island’s cultural offerings, Falmouth opened The Artisan Village, which offers a creative hub with shops, daily performances and complimentary access. Visitors can step into a space where authentic Jamaican crafts, cuisine and culture blend with cutting-edge digital experiences.
Jamaica also plays host to several events including Rebel Salute in January and Reggae Month, which sees a series of events and concerts throughout February in celebration of the island’s legendary artists and musical heritage, including Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6. The festivities continue with the Carnival, the ultimate celebration of the nation’s culture, concerts, dance and costume with the street march on April 27.
Summer welcomes a packed events agenda with Jamaica’s celebrated bi-annual literary Calabash festival from May 23-25, and the weeklong Reggae Sumfest music festival in Montego Bay from July 18.
Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, running every November in Kingston, is a six-day culinary extravaganza featuring fine liquors, top Jamaican DJs and live entertainment.
Rounding off the year is the Negril Reggae Marathon, scheduled for early December. This international marathon event welcomes participants of all levels to join in a spirited celebration of fitness and reggae music. The internationally certified course in Negril is known for its supportive atmosphere and lively musical backdrop.
ENHANCING PATIENT SAFETY WITH SMART TECH
Patient safety remains a critical concern in hospitals worldwide, and Jamaica is no exception. With global and local pushes toward safer, more innovative healthcare systems, it is time to truly begin exploring technology-driven solutions to improve patient care and reduce risks. Various technological advancements are now available to enhance safety and streamline operations, from medication errors to fall prevention and infection control. These tools offer precision in addressing specific patient needs and ease the workload on healthcare workers so that they can focus on essential, personalized care.
Among the notable innovative technologies gaining traction in hospitals are automated medication dispensers, which can significantly reduce the risk of errors during manual medication administration. These devices store and dispense specific doses automatically, which helps to ensure that patients receive the proper medication at the correct times, minimizing human error.
TACKLING FALLS
Fall-related injuries are a common issue, so fall prevention remains an area of concern for medical staff, and there are now smart beds to address this risk. These beds have sensors that alert staff when a patient is attempting to get out of bed unassisted. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues. The beds can also be equipped with digital monitoring systems, which continuously track patients’ vital signs, providing instant alerts to healthcare staff if a patient’s condition deteriorates. This enables them to intervene swiftly if and when required.
INFECTION CONTROL
Infection control is another area where innovative healthcare technology can significantly impact. Automated sanitization systems, such as ultraviolet (UV) light robots and automated dispensers for hand sanitizer, are increasingly found in healthcare settings. Air filtration technologies can also be integrated into hospitals to improve air quality and reduce airborne transmission risks, a need that has been highlighted following the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital hygiene monitoring systems further support these efforts by tracking staff adherence to hand hygiene protocols. With their ability to provide real-time data and feedback, these systems can play a crucial role in infection prevention, helping to address issues like antimicrobial resistance and the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare facilities.
ENHANCING PATIENT SAFETY WITH SMART TECH...
Technology is evolving and is increasingly being applied across industries. For years, health technology has been working towards achieving better patient health outcomes and more straightforward and efficient workflows for healthcare workers. It may take some time, but our hospitals and health centres can one day transition to fully “smart” healthcare facilities. With interconnected systems and real-time patient health monitoring, an innovative hospital could offer a comprehensive and seamless healthcare experience.
For example, patients’ health data could be automatically tracked and analyzed so that healthcare professionals can make data-driven decisions quickly. Such a facility could also support integrated communication between departments, improving coordination and minimizing delays in patient care. While this vision of a brilliant hospital is ambitious, it is not unrealistic, given the continued advancements in healthcare technology and the rising focus on patient safety. A partnership between the Government and the private sector could be crucial in realizing this vision. Investment in health technology infrastructure and training healthcare workers is essential for us to move towards a more technology-driven healthcare sector.
Patient safety is paramount, and innovative healthcare technology has the potential to make a profound impact on healthcare outcomes. The Government has started digitizing some hospitals, and I hope that in the next few years, they will continue to build on this vision and thus move us closer to achieving brilliant health facilities. Prioritizing funding, training and ongoing maintenance will be essential to ensure the success of these initiatives. Innovative technologies can enable us to have safer, more efficient, and better-equipped healthcare facilities fully ready to meet the needs of our growing population.
OBSTETRICS
INTERNAL
GENERAL
CHIROPRACTIC
PODIATRY,
ACUPUNCTURE
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PSYCHOLOGY
DERMATOLOGY
MINISTER BARTLETT WELCOMES NEW PORTUGAL/JAMAICA FLIGHTS FOR 2025
Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed a brand-new flight out of Europe. World2Fly will begin rotations in the Summer of 2025 from Lisbon, Portugal, to Montego, Jamaica. The service will increase visitor arrivals from Continental Europe by approximately 7,000 passengers from June to September 2025.
“I am thrilled to welcome World2Fly’s new service from Lisbon to Montego Bay. This exciting development will boost visitor arrivals from Continental Europe and strengthen Jamaica’s position as a premier Caribbean destination. This partnership with a dynamic and innovative airline like World2Fly aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our tourism market and generate significant economic benefits for our country,” the tourism minister said.
World2Fly is a relatively new Spanish airline that was established in 2021. It is part of the Spanish hotel and tourism conglomerate Iberostar Group and operates routes from Spain and Portugal. The airline focuses on leisure destinations in the Caribbean and is a subsidiary of the tourism and travel division World2Meet, headquartered in Spain.
Minister Bartlett and his team met with the company’s executive leadership yesterday at the World Travel Market in London, England.
The non-stop weekly flight will be operated by an Airbus A350, with approximately 432 seats.
The Government of Jamaica is making significant strides in modernizing its security forces through strategic technology investments, focusing on enhancing public safety and security measures. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness recently highlighted these initiatives for 99 officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Inspector Development Course during the graduation ceremony.
Key technological investments include:
Body cameras for security forces, with over $270 million already invested and more procurement underway
The JamaicaEye surveillance system, supported by a new Command, Control, and Communication (C5) Centre
A comprehensive broadband network infrastructure to facilitate real-time data transmission and analysis
The Prime Minister emphasized that these investments are part of a carefully designed ecosystem where all components work together cohesively. This ecosystem forms part of the JCF's broader transformation strategy, which focuses on three key pillars: people, quality, and technology.
Addressing the recent graduating class of the second cohort of participants in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Inspector Development Course at the AC Hotel by Marriot in Kingston, Prime Minister Holness challenged the newly graduated inspectors to become ambassadors of this transformation. He emphasized their crucial role in building safer communities and enhancing public trust in law enforcement. He expressed confidence in their preparedness to lead this organizational change while upholding the highest standards of the JCF.
