Kingston, Jamaica – Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, introduced that Jamaica has welcomed 55,000 guests since reopening its ports following the passing of Hurricane Beryl.
“On July 2nd and third, we had no vacationers arriving in Jamaica. However on the Fourth of July, we began receiving guests once more. In simply seven days [July 4 -10], we’ve introduced in a complete of 55,000 visitors,” Minister Bartlett acknowledged.
He made this announcement on the opening of the tenth staging of the Christmas in July tradeshow, held on the Nationwide Area on July 11 – 12, 2024.
“That is what resilience appears to be like like. We are able to guarantee the world that 80% of our property are intact, and we’re able to welcome you. Our guests returned as a result of they’d confidence in our guarantees, realizing the integrity behind them,” he added.
Minister Bartlett highlighted Jamaica’s function as a worldwide chief in tourism resilience. “Seven years in the past, we initiated discussions on resilience right here in Jamaica. Six years in the past, I established the primary International Resilience and Disaster Administration Centre on the College of the West Indies. Since then, we’ve established six extra facilities in numerous nations worldwide. Subsequent week, I’ll be heading to Brazil to determine one other, with extra to comply with.”
He additionally used the chance to commend the Tourism Enhancement Fund, lead organizers of the Christmas in July initiative, for the numerous financial impression of the occasion. “Christmas in July gives a market for showcasing merchandise, bringing collectively consumers and sellers. In the present day, over 205 exhibitors are current.”
The occasion has seen substantial development, from 110 profitable candidates in 2018 to 180 final 12 months. “In 2018, we noticed earnings of over $50 million from this occasion. In 2019, regardless of challenges, we nonetheless achieved over $30 million. Even in 2020, amidst a worldwide pandemic, our resilient artisans managed to generate $4.83 million in only one month after the commerce present. Final 12 months, from the 20% of individuals who responded to our post-event survey, we recorded $20.3 million in earnings,” famous Minister Bartlett.
Christmas in July is a premier occasion the place company Jamaica, the tourism business, reward retailers, pharmacies, and the diplomatic neighborhood come collectively. It affords a singular alternative for exhibitors to show their merchandise to key consumers answerable for deciding on tokens and items.
The occasion is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Community, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), together with its companions, together with the Jamaica Enterprise Growth Company (JBDC), the Jamaica Lodge and Vacationer Affiliation (JHTA), Jamaica Promotions Company (JAMPRO), and the Jamaica Producers and Exporters Affiliation (JMEA).
