WELCOME TO JAMAICA

Jamaica has an area of 4,411 square miles of 11,424 square kilometers. The island is 146 miles (235km) long with widths varying between 22 (35km) miles. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English speaking islands. Today, tourism is one of Jamaica’s leading industries. More than three million visitors are welcomed to its shores each year. The elements of the tourism product include accommodation, transportation, attractions and tours, dining and entertainment (inclusive of festivals and events), and the support services. Jamaica has a number of hotels, large and small. These vary from high rises to hotels in elegant old world style, and small modern hotels. No matter your traveling style, you will find exactly what you want on the sunny shores of Jamaica.

ATTRACTIONS

The historic mansion at Rose Hall, Montego Bay, was built in the 1770s. With a dark history of slavery, family turmoil, and loss, Rose Hall is said to be haunted. Rose Hall now functions as a museum and gives tours to those who wish to learn more about what happened in its walls and surrounding grounds.

One of Jamaica’s most iconic musicians is forever immortalized at the Bob Marley Museum. Here, you can learn about the man who sang for a brighter tomorrow and a stronger Jamaica. With exhibits showcasing his life and career, you are sure to learn something about the famed singer you didn’t know before. You can even enjoy a Jamaican lunch on-site.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Iconic Raggae Sumfest is back, and in its own words, it is taking back summer; online. The Heartbeat of the World will take its display of rich musical culture and phenomenal lineup virtual. Coupled with household names like Chronic Law and Spice, you can enjoy a fun-filled experience right from the comfort of your own home. Turn your lounge space into an epic party scene.

Dates: Jul 20 -Jul 25

Access: www.reggaesumfest.com

Contact: Benjamin Atwater / Natalia Lopez

Finn Partners

Jamaica@finnpartners.com

TOURISM UPDATE

Right through to July 31st, Jamaica will be enforcing revised measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists. Tourists from what Jamaican officials deem high-risk areas, must fill out an online Travel Authorization form. The results will be available 48 hours after completion. Proof of a negative COVID-19 PRC test from an approved lab is necessary to successfully complete the form. The test must be at most 10 days old. Once approved, travellers will be provided with a certificate they must present upon arrival, either in print out or electronically.

Business tourists and children under 12 years are exempt. 

Jamaica persists with thermal screenings, symptom observation and health interviews. Those from low-risk areas do not have to give proof in their Travel Authorization form but will still have to wait for approval results before embarking. The form must be completed two to five days before departure to the island. Visitors will be subject to testing at the airport if it is deemed necessary.

Once successfully in the country, tourists are expected to follow the ‘Stay in Zone order”, which details that tourists must stay in government approved hotels or resorts that are in the “Resilient corridor”. Anyone from a high-risk country staying outside the resilient corridor will be tested upon arrival and transitioned into quarantine while awaiting results.

GETTING THERE

There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (Jamaica’s capital city), and the Ian Fleming International Airport in picturesque Ocho Rios. Each airport serves many international airlines coming from destinations such as the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Canada, and Europe, making flying to Jamaica a convenient and enjoyable experience.

If you plan to make your way through several Caribbean Islands on a cruise, then Jamaica could be on your list of cruise destinations. With three cruise ports, Jamaica welcomes ship-goers plenty of options for exploring the island.

GETTING AROUND

If you want to travel through the beauties of Jamaica, you can ride the bus in the city or even look for charter options. If you’d rather be your own guide, you can rent a car and travel through the beautiful, fun loving country of Jamaica on your own.

WILDLIFE/NATURE

For those who want to experience a more tropical side to Jamaica, you can head inland to the Dunn’s River Falls. The stunning waterfalls that you can climb through and relax in make this a popular spot with tourists. You’ll get to enjoy the scenery around you, meet locals, and feel like you’re in your own little tropical oasis. Just make sure you wear water shoes!

True adventurers can head to the Blue Mountains for some real inland exploring. You’ll hike up the mountains, go bird watching, and get to see a whole new side of Jamaica. If you have the time, try to find the Blue Mountain Coffee Company. The coffee beans grown there are believed to be some of the best in the world, so sit down to a cup or buy a bag to take home.

NATIONAL HEROES/MUSEUMS

Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe: Sharpe was an enslaved man who lived in Jamaica from 1804 to 1832 and served as a preacher with a local Baptist church. He was educated and therefore learned of the potential for British abolition of slavery. Sharpe took matters into his own hands to organize a peaceful protest against slavery, however, the event quickly turned into Jamaica’s slave rebellion. He was convicted and executed for his leadership. In 1975, he was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero.

The Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamate, GBE: The 1^st Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Bustamante worked to better the lives of Jamaican workers. He did so by establishing labor unions and the Jamaican Labour Party. He was awarded the title of National Hero.

The National Museum of Jamaica features a wide variety of artifacts that showcase life on the island. You can learn about the indigenous cultures, the colonial occupation, and modern life as you stroll through the various galleries. There are also several temporary exhibits that highlight specific areas of Jamaican culture.

ECO-TOURISM

Another great way to experience the inland side of the island is to embark on a Mother Brae River Tour. This emerald river cut through the island and has been much appreciated by the locals for generations. You can explore the wonders of Jamaica’s lifeblood as you raft down the river in comfort and ease, thanks to a local guide.

Just a short way away from Negril, you can enjoy a Horseback Riding Tour of the beaches. This romantic excursion will have you feeling adventurous as you embark on trails through the woods, over the sandy shores, and even into the water. You’ll get to see a truly stunning side of Jamaica.

DONATE

Jamaica has seen an unemployment rates climb over the years and as times have gotten harder, Food for the Poor has worked harder. With a focus on helping with agricultural initiatives, providing education, and providing food, Food for the Poor works to help ease the burden of Jamaica’s economic downturn.

Negril Education Environment Trust (N.E.E.T.) works to expand access to education to children and adults. By doing so, N.E.E.T. works to showcase the importance of tight-knit communities, public health, and environmental health. With a Jamaica-centric focus, alums of N.E.E.T. go on to become advocates and ambassadors in their own right