Dear Industry Partners, Travel Professionals, and Valued Colleagues,

Welcome to JAPEX 2026.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to JAPEX 2026, Jamaica's premier tourism trade show, taking place September 14-17, 2026, at the magnificent Moon Palace Ocho Rios. As Director of Tourism, I invite buyers and suppliers from across the globe to register for what promises to be an extraordinary showcase of Jamaica's resilience, innovation, and unmatched hospitality.

Jamaica is open for business. This year holds special significance as we demonstrate the remarkable strength and adaptability of Jamaica's tourism industry. While Hurricane Melissa presented challenges to our southern and western regions last October, it also showcased the depth and diversity of Jamaica's tourism product. Our move to the 'Adventure Capital', Ocho Rios, represents an opportunity to spotlight the beauty, attractions, and world-class accommodations that make Jamaica's north coast a destination of choice for travellers worldwide.

Jamaica remains fully operational, welcoming visitors, and delivering the exceptional experiences that have made us the Caribbean's premier destination. Our hotels are open, our attractions are thriving, and our people are ready to extend the legendary Jamaican hospitality that keeps travellers returning year after year.

Why JAPEX 2026 Matters

JAPEX is where meaningful relationships are forged, deals are negotiated, and partnerships are strengthened. In three intensive days of pre-scheduled appointments, networking events, and educational seminars, you will have full access to Jamaica's finest tourism suppliers and most promising market opportunities.

Jamaica's tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum and resilience. Despite Hurricane Melissa's impact in late October 2025, we welcomed over one million visitors in the first quarter of 2026 alone, generating nearly one billion US dollars in foreign exchange earnings. Eighty per cent of our hotel inventory is open, with close to 100% expected by early 2027. Jamaica has a development pipeline of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms slated for delivery over the next 5 to 10 years. More importantly, the island is thriving and expanding to meet growing global demand.

What Awaits You at JAPEX 2026

Strategic Business & Market Intelligence: Connect directly with Jamaica's leading hotels, attractions, destination management companies, and transportation providers while gaining insights into emerging trends and Jamaica's strategic initiatives.

Product Innovation & Destination Expertise: Discover new accommodations and enhanced experiences while experiencing firsthand the authentic Jamaican hospitality, cultural richness, and natural beauty that drive our success.

A Partnership Built on Excellence

JAPEX 2026 represents the continued strength of the partnership between the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, delivering an event that creates tangible value for every participant while advancing Jamaica's position as the Caribbean's premier tourism destination.

Join Us

I encourage you to register today for JAPEX 2026. Whether you are a returning participant or joining us for the first time, Jamaica offers matchless value, genuine warmth, and business opportunities that translate into long-term success.

Jamaica is ready. Jamaica is open. Jamaica is waiting to welcome you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful north coast of Jamaica this September for three days of productive business exchange, meaningful connections, and the incomparable Jamaican experience.

Register today and be part of Jamaica's continued tourism success story.

Warm regards,

Donovan White
Director of Tourism
Jamaica Tourist Board

For over three decades, the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) has stood as the island's premier business-to-business travel trade show, hosted by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board.

The event continues to attract global interest, with last year's staging welcoming more than 40 new buyers from markets including the UAE, India, Uruguay, Poland, and Latin America. JAPEX brings together Jamaica's hoteliers, attraction operators, transport providers, and other key tourism stakeholders for three days of meaningful connection and commercial opportunity. It is where talk meets action and this year, I expect no less - in fact, even bigger and better.

JAPEX offers an invaluable platform to market the Jamaican tourism product to local and international audiences. It is the meeting ground for buyers and suppliers to build relationships, broker deals, and gain visibility through regional and international media exposure.

This year's staging takes place from September 22-24, 2025, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, with 500 industry stakeholders, comprising senior decision-makers, regional tour operators, international travel buyers, and media representatives, expected to attend. We kick-start officially on Sunday, September 21, with the Official Opening Ceremony, presented in partnership with the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) as part of Montego Bay Reggae Nights. This collaboration sets the stage for the days ahead, blending business with culture in true Jamaican style.

Being a partner for JAPEX 2025 offers a powerful value proposition: direct access to qualified buyers, heightened brand visibility across digital and on-site platforms, and curated networking with key players in the tourism ecosystem. We invite you to come on board as a sponsor for JAPEX 2025. Together, let us continue building brand Jamaica by delivering value, visibility, and results.

Sincerely,
Christopher Jarrett, CD
President, JHTA