Jamaica Toursim Achieves Remarkable Milestone
Significant Increase in Stopover Visitors and Revenue
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has revealed that based on preliminary figures, Jamaica has welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors, and approximately 3 million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between January 1 and September 14 this year. This achievement marks an increase over last year’s figures for the same period.
Preliminary Figures Show Strengthening Tourism Industry
Bartlett also noted that Jamaica’s tourism sector has earned approximately $2.97 billion USD since the year began. Despite challenges relating to US travel advisories, Hurricane Beryl, and tightness in relation to airlift, Jamaica is marginally ahead of last year’s performance, demonstrating the sustained recovery and growth of the industry.
Boosting Airlift and Connectivity
Increase airlift to Jamaica from new and emerging markets is a key component of the Ministry’s Blue Ocean Strategy. The team is working to enhance competitiveness and strengthen relationships with international carriers and stakeholders, especially on the South American continent.
G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting a Key Opportunity
The Minister highlighted the importance of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Belém, Brazil, where he will participate from September 19-20, 2024. The meeting presents an opportunity to engage with international tourism leaders on resilience and sustainability, areas where Jamaica is seen as a global thought leader.
Increased Focus on Sustainability and Resilience
As part of Jamaica’s continued push to expand its share of the lucrative Latin American market to boost arrivals, Minister Bartlett will also attend the G20 Ministerial Meeting on September 21 amid the country’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Subsequent Activities
In addition to his involvement in high-level meetings, Minister Bartlett will attend the UN Tourism Sustainability Forum and the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Public-Private Sector Dialogue on Tourism, before concluding his visit with the Ministerial Meeting on September 21, 2024.
Sustainability and Resilience at the Forefront of Tourism Agenda
As Minister Bartlett emphasized, “Sustainability and resilience remain at the forefront of Jamaica’s tourism agenda. The G20 provides an excellent platform to advocate for these principles internationally and to foster positive change in the global tourism industry.”
Conclusion
This milestone achievement highlights Jamaica’s commitment to promoting sustainable and resilient tourism practices, even in the face of various challenges. The country continues to push forward with a focus on increasing airlift and connectivity, enhancing its competitiveness, and promoting environmental sustainability.
FAQs
Q: How many stopover visitors did Jamaica welcome between January 1 and September 14, 2024?
A: According to preliminary figures, Jamaica welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors during this period.
Q: What is the main goal of Jamaica’s involvement in the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting?
A: The Minister aims to engage with international tourism leaders on resilience and sustainability, areas where Jamaica is seen as a global thought leader.