Jamaica to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Tourism Numbers By End Of 2024

• As Jamaica’s tourism continues its strong rebound, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that the sector is projected to surpass pre-pandemic figures by the end of 2024. Total visitor arrivals are estimated to reach 4.5Mn, with gross foreign exchange earnings of US$4.7Bn. 
• Currently, total visitor arrivals are estimated at 3.2Mn by the end of 2022, with cruise passengers accounting for 1.1Mn and stopover arrivals, 2.1Mn, while earnings are projected at US$3.3Bn. Jamaica’s visitor numbers are expected to total 4.1Mn by the end of 2023, with cruise passengers accounting for 1.6Mn, stopover arrivals, 2.5Mn, and earnings of US$4.2Bn. 
• Meanwhile, stopover arrivals year to date stand at 1.2Mn, and since cruise shipping resumed in August, Jamaica has welcomed more than 36,000 cruise passengers, while earnings are at the US$1.5Bn mark. 
• Bartlett noted that Jamaica is well on its way to recovery. He highlighted that the 2021 stopover arrivals are estimated to be up 41.0% year-over-year, and year to date, Jamaica has recouped nearly half of 2019’s stopover business. 
• He noted that December is usually a strong month for the industry and it begins the high season when the rates are higher, so Jamaica will likely meet its forecast of 1.6Mn visitors and over US$2.0Bn in earnings.

(Source: JIS News)