The Tourism Industry Thriving in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Regardless of world headwinds in 2024, Jamaica’s tourism trade remained steady and registered continued success in penetrating rising markets, in accordance with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who delivered his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, June 17.

The handle was known as “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Each Jamaican’s Success”. It talked about extra than simply the variety of guests. It highlighted the necessity for a wider view of tourism. This view sees tourism as a strategy to assist inclusive, strong, and sustainable growth for the entire nation.

Minister Bartlett stated the Authorities desires to build a tourism sector that helps all Jamaicans. This consists of farmers, artisans, tech innovators, and younger entrepreneurs.

“Tourism just isn’t a privilege for just a few; it’s a nationwide asset that belongs to all of us,” he stated. “We’re creating shared alternatives throughout the worth chain, from Negril’s white sand seashores to Morant Level’s rugged shoreline,” Bartlett added.

Worldwide Journey

Reflecting on the sector’s efficiency in 2024, the tourism minister famous that Jamaica welcomed 4.15 million guests, producing earnings of US$4.3 billion.

Minister Bartlett supplied vital context for this efficiency, citing world challenges that included financial uncertainty, geopolitical battle, excessive rates of interest, inflation, journey advisories, and excessive climate occasions corresponding to Hurricane Beryl.

He cited different elements, such because the Boeing plane supply disaster, cyber disruptions, and the impression of an election yr in america, that additionally contributed to the volatility in worldwide journey.

However these challenges, Jamaica’s market diversification technique yielded encouraging outcomes. Minister Bartlett stated whereas america, Jamaica’s main supply market, noticed a 4.1% decline in arrivals—attributed largely to home uncertainties—this was offset by sturdy development from different areas. Notably, Europe, together with the UK, recorded a 9.1% improve, and Canada posted a 6.2% rise in customer numbers in comparison with 2023.

Much more vital, the rising markets of Latin America and the Caribbean skilled sharp will increase of 13.2% and 25.1%, respectively.

Airlift Improvement

“These good points validate our investments in airlift growth and focused advertising and marketing in non-traditional markets,” Minister Bartlett famous. He continued, “we’re seeing the tangible advantages of selling Model Jamaica throughout numerous areas.”

Airport Enhancements

To assist these efforts, the Authorities is investing so much in air journey. Main upgrades are happening at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster Worldwide Airport (MBJ). There’s additionally extra flight exercise at Ian Fleming Worldwide Airport. Plans for a fourth worldwide airport in Negril will assist Jamaica join much more. These enhancements will permit for contemporary wide-body plane. They goal to make Jamaica one of many best-connected locations within the Caribbean.

Journey Advisory for Jamaica

The tourism minister welcomed the U.S. authorities’s current determination. They modified Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2. He known as this a major milestone. Bartlett thanked Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness for his vital function on this change. He additionally thanked Minister of Nationwide Safety, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, for his key assist.

Minister Bartlett reaffirmed the Authorities’s dedication to leveraging tourism as a automobile for inclusive nationwide growth. “Our goal just isn’t merely to develop, however to thrive and to make sure that each Jamaican thrives with us,” he careworn.