Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is main a collaborative effort between private and non-private sector stakeholders to construct capability and systematically handle the ache factors within the tourism trade.
Minister Bartlett made the disclosure following a gathering with trade companions, which he led along with the president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell, yesterday (January 11) on the AC Marriott Resort.
Minister Bartlett outlined that the 4 focus areas assigned to the working teams can be Public Order in Tourism Areas, Customer Facilitation, Tourism Housing and Human Sources.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
Noting the resilience and development demonstrated by Jamaica’s tourism sector over the past 12 months, Minister Bartlett stated: “In 2023 we welcomed a complete of 4.15 million guests, which is a considerable 24% enhance over the earlier 12 months. This displays the exceptional enchantment of Vacation spot Jamaica.”
He added that: “This contains 2,886,064 stopover guests, which marks a 16.4% rise over the determine recorded in 2022. Moreover, there have been 1,265,586 cruise arrivals recorded for the 12 months, representing a whopping 48.3% enhance over the variety of cruise passengers that visited the island in 2022.” The Minister added that: “This surge in guests generated international change earnings of US$4.27 billion, which represents an 18% enhance over the income secured in 2022.”
“Our spectacular development figures underscore the effectiveness of our tourism methods. Nonetheless, our dedication should be to propel the trade even increased,” the Minister stated.
Rising Stopover Arrivals
He harassed that with Jamaica anticipating some 3 million stopover guests in 2024, boosting capability is vital transferring ahead. “Our success in 2023 is a testomony to the enduring partnerships between the private and non-private sectors. Transferring forward, we’re resolute in constructing the required capability to satisfy the heightened demand projected for 2024 and past,” Mr. Bartlett famous.
Minister Bartlett additional defined that in direct response to the escalating targets and elevated demand, yesterday’s assembly centered on strategic measures to strengthen the trade going ahead.
On the problem of human capital development and the scarcity of employees, Minister Bartlett highlighted the continuing work of the duty power which was fashioned to look at labour market preparations in tourism. “The objective is to reinforce the trade’s workforce, fostering a stronger and higher sense of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our employees,” he expressed.
Emphasising the significance of bettering the airport expertise to facilitate a seamless arrival for guests, Minister Bartlett stated throughout the assembly stakeholders examined methods to reinforce total customer satisfaction and preserve the constructive picture of Vacation spot Jamaica.
