Jamaica’s tourism set to benefit from war in Middle East
Published:Saturday | March 14, 2026 | 12:09 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Dr Carey Wallace, executive director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), says Jamaica’s tourism sector is poised for further growth as global travel disruptions on account of the ongoing war in the Middle East is redirecting visitors to the Caribbean.
Speaking with The Gleaner during the Tourism Linkages Network’s speed networking forum, in Negril, Westmoreland on Thursday, Wallace said the resort town was deliberately selected as the host location due to its strong recovery following Hurricane Melissa.
“I chose Negril because Negril, as a resort town, has rebounded solidly after Hurricane Melissa. In fact, they are enjoying very high occupancies and we felt that it was a great place to start with our speed networking events,” said Wallace.
The event forms part of a wider effort to strengthen connections between Jamaica’s tourism sector and local suppliers.
“We’ll have several this year. This is our first one. To ensure that we create the bonds and increase and strengthen the bonds of our tourism consumption with our local supplies,” said Wallace.
According to TEF executive director, stronger local supply chains can help safeguard the tourist industry, especially at a time when global events are affecting trade and logistics.
“We feel that there are many reasons today that make it a very attractive proposition because the challenges we have in our world is disrupting supply chains,” he said. “Therefore, if our hotel partners can source their supplies locally, it translates into consistency in the delivery of their service to their customers, their guests in this instance.”
STRENGTHENING LINKAGES
Wallace said strengthening these linkages ensures that more Jamaicans benefit from tourism revenues.
“As a nation, when we have these kind of linkages, it means that we are all participating in the tourism economy,” he said. “Therefore, it’s in our interest to rebound faster and to see tourism rebound.”
Wallace also pointed to shifting global travel patterns that could work in Jamaica’s favour.
“My personal approach to disruptions is to look for the opportunity in the adversity,” said Wallace. “In a case like what’s going on, we see travel regions being shut down because of the wars and the challenges.
“What that translates into is, with the Caribbean being considered one of the safest regions on the planet, it means that it will redirect business our way.”
He added that Jamaica is well positioned to capture that demand.
“That’s an opportunity for us as one of the best islands in the Caribbean to present ourselves so that we can absorb that business,” Wallace said.
The country’s improving safety environment, he noted, is also strengthening its appeal as a destination.
“It’s great that our peace rate is increasing, meaning our crime rate is falling significantly because that opens up an opportunity for experiential tourism,” he said.
He explained that travellers are increasingly prioritising destinations where they feel secure.
“It’s just a fact that people want to travel in a place where they feel safe, secure, comfortable, that’s enjoyable, that the people are welcoming of them, it’s accommodating and people are hospitable and so on,” Wallace said.
“Thankfully, Jamaica presents all of that. Jamaica is looking really good and it’s a great opportunity for us to again use tourism to create more wealth for our own Jamaicans,” he added.