ST JAMES, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is positioning itself as a global leader in health and wellness tourism, combining its rich cultural heritage and natural resources to attract travellers seeking transformative experiences. The minister shared this ambitious vision on Thursday at the 6th Annual Jamaica Health and Wellness Tourism Conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The event, themed “Beyond the Horizon: Embracing Innovation in Health and Wellness Tourism,” brought together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore opportunities in this fast-growing sector.
“Today’s travellers seek more than leisure; they are searching for experiences that enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Bartlett who delivered the keynote address virtually. “Jamaica is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand,” he added. He highlighted Jamaica’s abundant natural resources as a competitive edge including over 100 rivers, 334 medicinal plants, nearly 700 miles of coastline, and mountains soaring beyond 7,000 feet.
These natural assets, he stated, underpin the country’s burgeoning wellness tourism offerings. Meanwhile, Bartlett noted that the tourism sector’s impact continues to grow, with 4.3 million visitors expected in 2024 and projected revenue of US$4.
5 billion. He stressed that this success is about more than just numbers. “This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about creating.
