St Ann Braces for Tourism Lift as Reggae Sumfest 2026 Moves to Plantation Cove

Councillor Michael Belnavis, Mayor of St. Ann's Bay, expects a marked upswing in tourism and commercial activity when Reggae Sumfest 2026 is staged in St. Ann. Work is still under way at the Catherine Hall venue in St. James, which Hurricane Melissa damaged last October, so this year's international summer music festival will take place on July 18 at Plantation Cove in Priory.

Belnavis has long pushed St. Ann as a first-rate entertainment destination. Speaking to JIS News after a recent monthly meeting of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, he said the relocation marks a turning point for the resort parish and the wider northeastern region.

"Reggae Sumfest is a global symbol for our culture and its presence in St. Ann will illuminate the area in ways we have anticipated for years," he said.

He forecast a broad economic lift across the parish: "We expect thousands of visitors, international media attention, and a surge in economic activity that will ripple through hotels, eateries, transport services, and small enterprises across the parish," he pointed out.

The Mayor said the festival is more than a concert series. It also offers a window for local crafts, food, and talent to reach a global audience, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. "From concerts to cruise itineraries, St. Ann is poised to connect more visitors with authentic Jamaican experiences, while supporting sustainable growth for residents," he added, noting that the event would further raise the parish's profile as a centre for world-class entertainment.

Business operators across the area are also getting ready for stronger demand for rooms, meals, and nightlife. Colin Mills, a long-time operator at Double V Plaza in Ocho Rios, said: "We're preparing for heightened activity." He told JIS News that extra days from Sumfest visitors could lift earnings: "If even a portion of the Sumfest crowd extends their stay beyond the event, it could mean a meaningful uplift for our revenue."

The St. Ann Municipal Corporation has been working with festival organisers, law enforcement, and transport authorities to ensure a smooth experience for attendees and residents. The joint effort aims to pair economic gains with safety, traffic control, and environmental care, including waste reduction and responsible use of public spaces.

Belnavis stressed that community involvement stays central to planning. He thanked residents who have welcomed the festival with open arms. "Our goal is inclusive growth, benefiting households, entrepreneurs and workers from the moment people arrive until they depart," the Mayor said.