Economic impact of music festival expected to be felt across Jamaica’s north coast
Published:Saturday | July 19, 2025 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
The 2025 staging of Reggae Sumfest is being hailed as a major economic driver for western Jamaica, generating millions of US dollars for Montego Bay in St James and its surrounding communities.
“The turnout for Sumfest this year is incredible. Hotels are full, from Trelawny all the way to Negril [in Westmoreland],” Senator Delano Seiveright, state minister in the Ministry of Tourism, told The Gleaner during a visit to Negril on Thursday. “Many of the large properties are at capacity, and Airbnb bookings are very strong, especially in areas like Hanover and Trelawny.”
Now having its 34th staging, the popular music festival has drawn international attention, with major performances from dancehall powerhouses including Vybz Kartel – making his first Sumfest appearance in over 14 years, alongside Masicka, Tarrus Riley, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skeng, Govana, Laden, Harry Toddler, and others.
“Vybz Kartel is a huge attraction, particularly for people who didn’t get to see him perform in Kingston. Many have flown in just for this event,” Seiveright said. “And we can’t overlook the international draw of Toni Braxton, who’s bringing in a sizeable number of visitors from the United States.”
The state minister said the event is serving as a major catalyst for the summer tourism season, with arrival numbers ahead of last year’s figures.
PHENOMENAL TURNOUT
“The turnout is phenomenal. Sumfest has helped kick off the summer strong, and we expect the momentum to carry into a very strong winter season,” he stated.
According to Seiveright, the festival’s economic ripple effect goes far beyond the hospitality sector.
“Sumfest contributes over US$10 million to $20 million to the Montego Bay economy. This doesn’t just benefit the big hotels. Small businesses, pan chicken vendors, taxi and tour operators, small Airbnb’s, one-bedroom rentals, restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies across the city are all seeing the benefits,” he said.
He also praised the event’s reach among members of the Jamaican diaspora and its contribution to Brand Jamaica.
“Sumfest has a strong following from our diaspora in New York, Miami, Toronto, London, and elsewhere. That support brings in foreign exchange and helps stimulate the wider economy,” he said.
With the festival’s main event nights set for last night and tonight, Seiveright said the full economic impact would be evident throughout the weekend.
“I’m told there are people who don’t even have tickets yet but are still coming into Montego Bay just to be part of the energy. That speaks to the power of the brand,” he added.
Reggae Sumfest continues to be the largest music festival in the Caribbean and a major showcase of Jamaican culture and entertainment on the global stage.