Jamaica’s Cruise Tourism Sector Sees Significant Growth

Record-Breaking Revenue and Passenger Arrivals

Jamaica solidified its position as a premier Caribbean tourism destination, generating $197.8 million USD from cruise tourism during the 2023/2024 season, according to a study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

Sponsored by Jamaica Vacations Limited, the study highlighted the island’s success in attracting cruise passengers and crew, alongside revenues from cruise line expenditures on port services, taxes, and local goods.

The report revealed that 1,426,485 cruise passengers arrived in Jamaica during the cruise year, with 1,158,240 disembarking to explore the island. These visitors spent a combined $136.7 million USD on accommodations, food and beverages, local goods, and shore excursions.

Cruise Industry’s Economic Impact

“We have seen tremendous growth in our cruise tourism sector,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism. “In 2023, we welcomed 1.26 million cruise passenger arrivals, which was 48.3% above 2022 figures. To keep up with demand, we work diligently to ensure our ports and services remain updated so cruise lines, crew members, and passengers have an outstanding experience from arrival to departure – including the enjoyment of our famous beaches, historical sites, and adventure experiences in between.”

Passenger spending onshore primarily went to excursions, watches, and jewelry, accounting for 71% of expenditures. Moreover, 62% of cruise parties purchased excursions. Crew members also contributed to the economy, with 166,790 going ashore and spending $8.1 million USD on local crafts, food, and other purchases.

Cruise Line Spending and Employment

Jamaica ranked as the fifth-highest destination in the Caribbean and Latin America for cruise line spending, generating $49.7 million USD from payments for port fees, navigation services, utilities, and local supplies.

“Cruise lines have expressed keen interest in sourcing more of their global product needs from Jamaica,” Bartlett added. “Through the Tourism Linkages Network, we are working to increase opportunities for Jamaica’s farmers, manufacturers, artisans, and other enterprises to offer these services.”

The economic benefits extended to employment, with 3,920 Jamaican residents earning $36.1 million USD in annual wages directly tied to cruise tourism.

Industry Significance

Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, emphasized the industry’s significance. “The cruise industry has played a major role in our tourism growth. We have welcomed over three million visitors this year so far, and that is largely due to our operators, vendors, and suppliers who work diligently to ensure the entire visitor experience – for those arriving by air or sea – is smooth sailing.”

Survey Results

The FCCA survey, conducted onboard cruise ships from October 2023 to May 2024, gathered passenger and crew responses via QR codes. Among respondents, 73% were first-time visitors to Jamaica, with the majority hailing from the U.S. (32%), Canada (37%), and Italy (17%).

Conclusion

Jamaica’s cruise tourism sector has seen significant growth, with record-breaking revenue and passenger arrivals. The industry’s economic impact is substantial, with cruise lines and crew members contributing to the local economy. The Tourism Linkages Network is working to increase opportunities for Jamaican enterprises to offer services to cruise lines.