As of today, the country has welcomed 1,016,185 air visitors and over 700,000 cruise passengers. This represents a 4.6 percent and 23 percent increase over last year, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, told reporters this week.

Jamaica has been working non-stop on different fronts to achieve these extraordinary results.

“We will continue to aggressively market the destination and work assiduously with our partners to get there,”  Bartlett said. 

For Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, the island’s laid-back environment is the key to its success among tourists from all over the world, especially from the United States.

“Whether it’s our food, music, or entertainment, there is a vibe that only comes alive in Jamaica,” said White. 

Considering the country’s stats, Jamaica is on its way to achieving its five million annual visitor target over the next 4 years rather than the five initially forecasted by tourism authorities, said Bartlett.

On January 23, the US government updated its Travel Advisory due to a spike in crime and the lack of proper medical services available for visitors and locals.

Ironically, American tourists are the ones pushing up tourism figures in Jamaica in recent times.

Visitors from the US have risen by 16 percent over 2023, said the tourism minister. Americans represent 74 percent of all international tourists visiting the island.

This “speaks to the confidence our tourism partners and visitors have in the destination,” Bartlett concluded.

As per the advisory, US citizens should “Reconsider Travel” to this destination for the reasons mentioned above.

As a “Level 3” country, Jamaica is being impacted by violent crimes such as armed robberies, homicides, and frequent sexual assaults taking place even in all-inclusive resorts, the advisory reads.

This Caribbean island possesses the highest homicide rate in the Western Hemisphere and crimes are not frequently solved. Americans who get into legal trouble may not find justice.

If you still decide to visit this island, the government urges you to purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as “the Department of State does not pay medical bills.”

Last but not least, it’s important to avoid bringing any types of firearms or objects related to them, avoid public transportation or physically resist any robbery attempts.

This country has a large number of places that should be avoided at all costs. Check them out here.

The post Jamaica’s Tourism Continues Booming Despite Negative Travel Advisory In Early 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The new addition to the brand boasts 700 all-inclusive rooms ranging from elegantly decorated ocean-view suites to junior swim-up suites, 4 outdoor pools for adults and one for children, a water park, a wellness center, a gym, and multiple restaurants, as well as highly trained staff ready to assist you 24/7.

Regarding food, the resort offers “live cooking stations” for breakfast, and for dinner, you can visit its fancy Italian or Japanese restaurant or its steakhouse. Also, the Jerk Grill restaurant offers grilled delicatessens for all types of groups. 

Its privileged beachfront location makes it ideal for practicing water sports such as paddle surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, catamaran sailing or diving.

For those who haven’t visited, White Bay Beach is situated in the heart of Jamaica’s tourism highlights, like the Cockpit Country nature reserve and the stunning Martha Brae River. 

To celebrate its opening, Riu Palace Aquarelle is offering rooms for as little as $176 per person per night, for stays between July 1 to Sept. 30, 2024. Book here!

Other Jamaica Resort Deals for Summer 2024 

The Riu Palace Aquarelle is not the only resort offering fantastic deals for this upcoming summer in Jamaica. Let’s check some others.

Sandals Negril

This luxury resort located at Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach boasts 8 specialty restaurants, 5 bars, including 2 swim-up bars, 4 pools, 3 whirlpools, a fitness center and day and night entertainment with live shows.

Get a $199 rate per person per night + $250 resort credit + free catamaran cruise by booking 7 nights or more, or a free catamaran cruise on stays of 5-6 nights. The offer is valid until June 9.

Sandals Royal Caribbean 

This luxury collection of seven world-class beachfront resorts is offering fantastic deals for summer 2024.

Find the best offer under the name of 7-7-7 Savings. It includes a 7-day stay, 7% off at 7 selected rooms. Room fares start at $197.

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

This 5-star resort boasts a large swimming pool, rooms with private balconies and international cuisine at its multiple restaurants and bars.

The best deal you can find starts on June 6. It includes 7 nights (all-inclusive) for $2,343 per person (flights inc). 

On July 5, there’s another deal worth checking. It also includes 7 nights (all-inclusive) for $2,464 per person (flights inc).

Half Moon

Jamaica’s “highest-rated resort” offers regular rooms in addition to suites and villages facing the dazzling Caribbean Sea, as well as a spa, an 18-hole golf course, and 11 cutting-edge restaurants! 

Booking 3 nights for $450 per night per person will grant you a free 4th night plus a yoga session and some meals for children aged 1-10 years old.

The post This Luxurious Brand Debuts A New All-Inclusive 5-star Resort In Jamaica appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

In Jamaica, guests obey no clocks and rather take in the ethereal sunsets before dressing up to visit cutting-edge restaurants to stun their senses.

This island is home to some of the most amazing resorts in the Caribbean that will help you create long-lasting memories. 

Without further ado, let’s check the best properties featuring the best summer deals at the moment.

RIU Palace Aquarelle – COMING SOON + OPENING PRICES!

Joining the collection of the seven Riu Hotels in Jamaica, the resort brand is introducing a new 753-room all-inclusive property in greater Montego Bay.

The beachfront Falmouth RIU Palace Aquarelle is ideal for those interested in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or sailing. Guests will get to enjoy not one but four outdoor pools, plus a children’s pool, a Splash Water World water park, and a wellness center.

The long-awaited hotel is scheduled to open its doors on May 2, 2024, and it’s already accepting bookings.

To entice travelers, the resort is offering opening prices for as low as $176 per person per night. 

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Its close proximity to Montenegro Bay’s best tourist highlights makes this luxury resort the perfect choice for those who enjoy making the most of their vacation time.

The 5-star Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay boasts a large swimming pool, a private balcony, palatable international cuisine at its restaurants and bars, as well as highly trained staff ready to assist you 24/7.

Ensure you stay on top of the best offers by booking your tickets for June 6; 7 nights all-inclusive for as little as $2,343 per person (flights inc). 

Another deal worth checking out is the one on July 5, which also includes 7 nights for only $2,464 per night per person (flights inc.) With this offer, you’ll save up to 27 percent.

Sandals Royal Caribbean 

This collection of seven top-notch resorts is surrounded by lush mountains, brisk forest air, majestic waterfalls, world-class beaches, reggae music, and rich Caribbean culture.

Strategically located on some of the most iconic beaches, almost all Sandals Royal Caribbean properties feature swim-up Butler Suites, wooden floors, king-size beds, expansive patios overlooking the Caribbean sea, spa-inspired bathrooms with tubs and walk-in rain showers.

Starting at as little as $197, some of these resorts are offering “specials” on seven types of rooms and suites. The offer is called 7-7-7 Savings and consists of a 7-day offer with 7 percent off at 7 selected rooms. Early birds who book before April 30, 2024, will receive an extra 7 percent discount. 

Half Moon

Half Moon prides itself on being Jamaica’s highest-rated resort. This “biophilic sanctuary” boasts individual rooms, suites, and villages overlooking the stunning Caribbean Sea.

Guests will get to enjoy a world-class spa that elegantly blends with nature; an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship golf course; 11 restaurants and bars including the prestigious Sugar Mill; water sports and wellness experiences.

Book three nights for as little as $450 per night per person and receive a complimentary 4th night, a yoga session, meals for children younger than 10 years old, as well as the opportunity to practice water sports plus tennis, squash, and pickleball

Sandals Negril

Conveniently located on the best spot of Negril’s famous Seven Mile beach, Sandals Negril combines the indescribable tropical Caribbean vibe with luxury.

Let yourself be surprised by its eight gourmet restaurants after spending the day among pristine beaches with the most insane turquoise waters.

If ready to travel, consider booking 7 nights or more to get a $199 rate per person per night + $250 resort credit + free catamaran cruise. Or a free catamaran cruise on stays of 5 or 6 nights.

This offer is valid for bookings between April 25, 2024, and June 9, 2024, for travel between April 25, 2024, and January 31, 2025. Also, book online to get a $25 credit.

The post TOP 5 Resorts In Jamaica To Visit In Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Montego, a major cruise ship bay in the country’s north, has been selected to host this massive event that’ll be running from May 20-22. 

In its 42nd version, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) looks to offer unique opportunities for Caribbean hospitality destinations and resorts to connect, learn, showcase their products and services, and close deals with other nations.

According to CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, this event will allow “new and established buyers from all corners of the world to access a rich offering of travel products and experiences throughout the Caribbean,” she said.  

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace is “where those of us in the industry meet, collaborate, strategize, and get smarter about how best to share the Caribbean experience with visitors from around the world,” she concluded.

So far, more than 150 companies, including 14 European businesses, have confirmed their attendance.

According to CHTA Acting CEO and Director General Vanessa Ledesma, this is a “fantastic chance” to interact with a myriad of real potential buyers in the same country, saving you money and time in the process.  

This time around, attendees will be able to benefit from the presence of the “Caribbean Travel Forum,” a prestigious initiative focused on intra-Caribbean travel, air connectivity, and technology innovation. 

They will also take part in a celebratory luncheon to honor “the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” and “the Destination Resilience” award winner, among others. 

The program will also establish a “Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day” to ensure destinations not only profit from the community but also give back to it.

But why was Jamaica chosen to host such a massive and important event for the tourism industry?

First and foremost, this Caribbean nation has already successfully hosted this event in the past. But that’s not all.

Jamaica has emerged as a top destination to visit and do business in the Caribbean. During January and February 2024, the country received 1,000,961 travelers, representing a 15.1 percent increase over the same months in 2023. 

Out of these million visitors, more than 600,000 were stopover arrivals and 389,319 were cruise passengers, 29.7 percent more than in January and February 2024.

It has also managed to make more than $1 billion in profits, up 8.5 percent over the same months in 2024 and an increase of 8.5.

For all these reasons, this event promises to take the Jamaican tourism industry to the next level. 

The post This Island Is Hosting The Biggest Caribbean Travel Conference In May 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

However, consider spending this Easter weekend on a Caribbean island to explore amazing tropical forests and beaches, enjoy Caribbean vibes and sunny weather, and take part in some of the most curious, bizarre and yet, fun, local traditions and celebrations.

Come with an open mind to let locals read your fortune using a “magical” egg, take fish eating to a whole new level, design and fly beautiful kites and be amazed by beautiful parades.

This time around, we’ve chosen Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados as some fascinating options for you to experience a unique Caribbean Easter holiday.

Jamaica

By Easter time, the weather is just amazing on the island. Jamaicans host a large number of Easter weekend celebrations for you to enjoy.

Kite Festival is a massive event taking place on Easter Monday at the Grizzly Plantation in Richmond, St. Ann on the north coast.

Designing the most amazing or the biggest kite can get you awesome prizes. An alternative is enjoying reggae music while taking part in a bun-eating contest. 

Believe it or not, those who practice Voodoo or worship African ancestors can also win presents. So, if you are into it, this is your opportunity to shine.

You may also be interested in getting your fortune read. Here, locals break an egg, put it on a plate, and let you know what the future holds for you. Would you dare?

Also, don’t forget to try hot cross buns, which are made with dried fruit. Yam wine is another local delicatessen you shouldn’t miss!

Barbados

Easter is more than tropical beaches and Caribbean vibes in Barbados. 

If you are looking to unwind in its stunning turquoise waters or discover eye-opening traditions, this is the place to be.

Similar to their peers in Jamaica, Barbadians will offer to tell your future. It’s a bit different though. Here, locals crack an egg and place it in a water container. Then, they will proceed to tell you if a baby, a trip, or even a marriage is waiting for you in the near future.

In the same vein, flying kites is also a very traditional event.

Don’t forget to wear your best clothes to celebrate Easter Bonnet Parade. Taking part in this activity will help renew your spirit. Find these parades all across the island.

Join islanders to “give up something.” It can be unhealthy habits such as smoking or eating fast food or personality traits such as selfishness.

Last but not least, enroll in a fishing competition during the Oistins Fish Festival. Fun is guaranteed!

Trinidad and Tobago

With its Instagram-worthy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Trinidad and Tobago are the perfect fit for an unforgettable Easter vacation. 

These islands host a four-day carnival, featuring outdoor Caribbean music, parades, and family picnics.

Among their most beloved traditions, you’ll find kites flying, beach parties, and the elaboration of delicious dishes.

Apart from fish, you should try hot cross buns. These are sweet bread rolls carefully decorated for the occasion. 

One strange tradition that may catch your eye is beating “Bobolees.” This practice used to have religious symbolism but today it is just stuffed mannequins of controversial people. It can be unusual, but it can also be fun to beat a Bobolee.

The post 3 Caribbean Islands With Best Easter Traditions To Visit In 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, announced the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) as the country is building on a record year that saw over four million visitors in 2023. 

In terms of the stats to show growth, some that were shared included:

• Arrivals for January-February were 1,000,961, up 15.1 percent over the same months in 2023
• 611,642 stopover arrivals, up 7.4 percent over the same months in 2024
• 389,319 cruise passenger arrivals, up 29.7 percent over the same months in 2024
• Arrivals brought in $1 billion, up 8.5 percent over the same months in 2024

This comes despite the fact that on January 23, 2024, The U.S. State Department deemed Jamaica a Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to crime and medical services. 

The summary of the advisory reads “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts”, but that hasn’t seemed to stop visitors from traveling to Jamaica.

The Jamaican government and Jamaica’s ambassador to the U.S. have both since come out to speak against the travel advisory. Both commented that there was exaggerated language used that is damaging to the tourism industry in the Caribbean country and that the advisory should be revoked. 

Another boost to the tourism industry in Jamaica is the fact that it will host the 42nd edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, May 20-22, 2024. The trade show gathers the industry’s suppliers and buyers along with hotels, resorts and attractions to share their upcoming news. 

The post Jamaica Sees Record Tourism In 2024 Despite Negative Travel Advisories appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

In addition to famous destinations like Kingston or Negril, there is a world full of undiscovered treasures that just need to be explored. 

Join us as we delve into some lesser-known hotspots on the island and uncover the secrets that make it truly special.

Jamaica Frenchman’s Cove

Nestled within a sprawling 48-acre estate, Frenchman’s Cove Resort seamlessly intertwines historical charm, serene ambiance, and picturesque landscapes. Eternally lauded as the “finest beach in Jamaica” and a globally recognized gem, it invites visitors to disconnect and indulge in the splendor of Jamaica.

Sheltered beneath a lush canopy of verdant trees, the renowned Frenchman’s Cove beach epitomizes tropical paradise with its pristine sands and crystalline waters.

Savor delicately crafted fruit cocktails as you bask in the awe-inspiring vistas that surround you.

Reach Falls

Reach Falls stands out as a distinctive waterfall that precipitates into a lively river pool. The cool waters, combined with the lush Montane Forest setting, ensure a remarkable experience. Visitors to Reach Falls can also enjoy amenities such as picnic areas and guided tours along the Driver’s River, including an exploration of a stunning underwater cave.

Winifred Beach

Following a short walk along rugged pathways and through a tropical rainforest, you’ll discover a stunning beach adorned with pristine white sands and mesmerizing azure waters.

Immerse yourself in tranquility by spending a morning at this beach. Arriving early offers the opportunity to enjoy the serenity with minimal crowds.

Keep an eye out for nesting turtles and adhere to any signage or advice from local authorities.

Treasure Beach

A serene enclave far from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled within a quaint village and perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.

Renowned for its stunning vistas and picturesque coastline, this hidden spot offers ample amenities for visitors, including numerous dining establishments, bars, and lodging choices. Public restrooms and changing facilities are also available on-site, along with complimentary music and parking.

For those seeking a break from the typical all-inclusive resort experience, this destination is well worth the short drive from Kingston or Montego Bay.

Martha Brae River

Embark on a tranquil journey through the heart of Jamaica’s lush landscape as you drift along the Martha Brae River. Glide through the jungle aboard a bamboo raft, soaking in the rich biodiversity and historical landmarks that line the riverbanks. During the excursion, feel free to hop on or off the raft at your leisure, allowing you to take a refreshing dip in the calm, shimmering waters of the river.

Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the restorative embrace of nature. Originally crafted for transporting sugar to coastal ports, these rafts now serve as a means of transporting visitors through the pristine waters of Martha Brae.

The journey commences in Trelawney, approximately 45 minutes from Montego Bay. The three-mile voyage is priced at $35 per person and lasts just over an hour.

Blue Hole Mineral Spring

Blue Hole is a sought-after destination among eco-tourists, offering a serene retreat away from the tourist crowds and showcasing an abundance of natural splendor. Located just a half-hour drive from Negril, this hidden gem beckons adventurers with its untouched allure.

Thrill-seekers can take the plunge from a height of 22 feet or descend via a ladder to immerse themselves in the invigorating mineral springs. Renowned for their therapeutic properties, these naturally occurring springs attract visitors seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.

The onsite bar caters to guests well into the late evening and early morning hours, ensuring a lively atmosphere until the last visitor departs. 

Admission for a full day’s experience is priced at $10 per person.

Sandals Resort

At Jamaica’s Sandals Resort, you’ll find all the amenities necessary for a dream Caribbean getaway, making it the perfect choice for a honeymoon. Don’t pass up the chance to make priceless memories in this idyllic tropical setting. 

Whether you’re exploring the resort grounds or venturing further afield, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. From lush mountains and pristine beaches to vibrant flora and fauna, rivers, and waterfalls, Jamaica’s natural beauty never fails to impress. Combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, Sandals Resort promises an extraordinary experience for all who visit.

The post 7 Incredible Hidden Gems In Jamaica To Visit In 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

“I can assure you, having worked in this very consulate myself, having begun my career here, there’s no hidden agenda when it comes to protecting American citizens, and ultimately, what I’ve seen first-hand in my visits today is a mutual vocation between the US and Jamaica for advancing the safety and the welfare of all our citizens, and we’re really proud to support that through our partnerships to support civilian security,” Zeya said.

Jamaica’s high crime rate and dearth of medical resources prompted the U.S. State Department to advise Americans against traveling to Jamaica from January 23. Additionally, it has restricted government employees from visiting several areas due to heightened security risks.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory said.

It further stated that when arrests are made, cases are rarely prosecuted to a final punishment and that police officers frequently fail to adequately respond to serious offenses.

Additionally, it stated that private hospitals demand payment in full before accepting patients and might not be able to offer specialized care, while public hospitals are underfunded and sometimes unable to offer high-quality or specialized care.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, however, “seemed genuinely perplexed” by the timing and content of the advisory, according to Travel Weekly.

The Financial Times had written a positive story about the island two weeks before the advisory’s release, praising it as “arguably one of the most remarkable and radical but underappreciated turnaround stories in economic history.”

Undersecretary Zeya reaffirmed on Tuesday that the travel advisory system is a crucial instrument and component of the U.S. government’s obligation to protect the well-being and safety of American citizens.

Zeya stated that while the advisory’s level remained unchanged, information about medical and health considerations had been updated. This data is gathered objectively and based on facts. 

“The United States is proud of the fact that American nationals represent the vast majority of tourists to Jamaica, and we believe that Jamaica is and will remain a major tourist destination for the American people, but our travel advisory system, [and] the work of our consulate here is intended to help make those journeys safe and secure,” she told reports.

Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States Said Travel Advisory Is “Inaccurate”

Ambassador Audrey Marks of Jamaica to the United States expressed the country’s strong objection to the advisory on Facebook, criticizing it for misrepresenting the situation in Jamaica and distorting facts. To counter the advisory’s claims, Marks provided a fact sheet from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade.

Ambassador Marks highlighted the use of exaggerated language in the advisory, suggesting it inaccurately portrays Jamaica as undergoing a significant violent crisis. She emphasized that Jamaica recorded its lowest crime rate in over two decades in 2023 and pointed out that illegal drug and gun trafficking, primarily from the U.S. and Latin America, contributes to 80% of serious crimes in Jamaica. Marks also noted that over 90% of illicit firearms in Jamaica originate from the U.S., underscoring the complexities of the crime situation and the efforts toward its amelioration.

The post U.S. Official Dispels Concerns Over Hidden Agenda In Jamaica Travel Advisory appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The advisory suggested that violent crimes are common on the island and that sexual assaults in all-inclusive resorts occur frequently. It did not, however, provide any precise information about these assertions.

Jamaica’s ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, used Facebook to voice the country’s vehement opposition to the revised travel advisory, claiming that it, “disagrees strongly with the contents of the revised travel advisory, as it distorts the reality and facts in Jamaica.” 

Marks also included a link to a fact sheet that provided refutations of the advisory’s assertions and that was sourced from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston commented on the situation on Facebook, explaining that “the level of our travel advisory did not change with this update and has remained at level 3, the same level it has been since March 2022.”

According to the ambassador, the American administration employed exaggerated language that regrettably created the appearance of a significant violent crisis on the island.

As per Marks, the administration’s top priority is reducing crime, and in 2023, Jamaica saw its lowest crime rate in over 22 years. She added that illegal drug and gun trafficking between the U.S. and Latin America accounts for 80% of serious crimes in Jamaica, with the U.S. providing more than 90% of the illicit firearms in the country.

Jamaica Topped Record Visitor Arrivals in 2023 Despite Bad Reputation

In 2023, Jamaica surpassed expectations in tourism despite its challenging reputation, recording a landmark year with approximately 4.1 million visitors, marking a 16% increase over the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7.5%.

This growth, highlighted by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and the Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, Donovan White, underscores the island’s appeal as a premier global destination, particularly among U.S. travelers who constitute over half of the arrivals. The sustained expansion into an 11th consecutive quarter of growth is anticipated, fueled by a high rate of repeat visitors and the introduction of new airlift options from the U.S.

Additionally, Jamaica’s tourism sector looks forward to further growth with the opening of new hotels, enhancing its capacity by thousands of rooms, and the hosting of major events that draw international attention.

This trend signifies Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth and resilience, showcasing its ability to thrive as a top choice for travelers worldwide despite any reputational challenges.

The post Jamaica’s Authorities Say Most Recent U.S. Travel Advisory Is “Inaccurate” appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

With a startling 69.2% increase in tourist arrivals over 2021, Jamaica saw a notable spike in arrivals from the UK in the second half of 2023. The growth has led to earnings that have broken records and surpassed US $2 billion. This remarkable expansion demonstrates Jamaica’s tourism industry’s tenacity in the face of international difficulties and confirms the island’s position as a top Caribbean travel destination for vacationers from the UK and the US.

Is Jamaica Safe to Visit?

Jamaica is considered a safe place but visitors should only stay in the tourist areas as there is a lot of gang violence and crime in the cities across the country.

Official Travel Advisories for Cuba (U.S., Canada, UK)

U.S. Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

On January 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Jamaica.

Home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are examples of violent crimes that frequently occur in Jamaica. Sexual assaults happen all the time, even in all-inclusive resorts.

Serious criminal incidents frequently receive inadequate responses from local police. Cases are rarely prosecuted to a definitive sentence after an arrest. Families of American citizens killed in accidents or murders frequently have to wait a year or longer for Jamaican authorities to issue official death certificates. For several years, the Jamaican government has reported having one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. It is forbidden for U.S. government employees under COM security responsibility to drive at night in Kingston outside of designated zones.

CANADA Travel Advisory

Despite the presence of police to deter criminal activity, violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Guns are widely available, and they are used in the majority of violent drug- and gang-related crimes, including murder. In these places, there is a chance of getting caught in the crossfire. Travelers are also vulnerable to crimes of opportunity, particularly robberies and thefts.

Although crimes can occur anywhere and at any time, they typically concentrate in areas that the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or “high-risk communities.”

U.K. Travel Advisory

Though terrorist attacks have not occurred in Jamaica recently, they cannot be completely ruled out.   

Increased security measures can be implemented by the government in reaction to violent outbursts and shooting incidents. These can include the military assisting law enforcement or taking their place, as well as sudden curfews. Verify locally if there are any curfews or security measures in place, and follow the authorities’ advice.

Areas to avoid in Jamaica 

According to the Canadian government, the following zones have high rates of violent crime and a significant gang population:

Greater Kingston

• Arnett Gardens
• August Town
• Balmagie
• Cassava Piece
• Delacree Park
• Denham Town
• Drewsland
• Felstead Pen
• Four Miles
• Glendale
• Grant’s Pen
• Greenwich Town
• Hannah Town
• Harbour View
• Hunts Bay
• Jones Town
• Lower Cockburn Gardens
• Maverly
• Mountain View
• Nanse Pen
• Olympic Gardens
• Payneland
• Portmore
• Rennock Lodge
• Riverton City
• Salmagie
• Seaview Gardens
• Tavares Gardens
• Tivoli Gardens
• Tower Hill
• Trench Town
• Waltham Gardens
• West Kingston
• Whitfield Town

St. Catherine

• Central Village
• Ellerslie
• Homestead
• Ravensworth
• Spanish Town
• Tawes Pen

Montego Bay

• Bottom Pen
• Canterbury
• Flankers
• Hart Street
• Mount Salem
• Norwood Gardens
• Rose Heights
• St. Clavers Avenue

South Coast

• May Pen

Tips on Keeping Safe While Traveling in Jamaica

• Refrain from bringing firearms or ammunition. The penalties for carrying such items are severe and may lead to lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving during nighttime hours.
• Steer clear of public buses.
• Stay away from secluded places.
• In the event of a robbery attempt, do not physically resist.
• Maintain awareness of your surroundings and adopt a low profile.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate locating you in emergencies.
• Examine the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
• Create a contingency plan for emergencies.

The post Is JAMAICA Safe? Travel Advisory 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.