Exclusive round-up from Jamaica’s Japex trade show in Montego Bay
Wednesday, 14 May, 2009
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Tourism minister claims growth despite recession
Following on from last year’s growth of almost four per cent in visitor arrivals, Jamaica’s tourism minister Ed Bartlett revealed that the trend has continued in the first four months of 2009 desopite the global recession.
UNWTO, in a recent communiqué, quoted Jamaica as the perfect example how to buck the tourism slump.
Arrivals rose by 16% against 2008 figures in the first 11 days of May.
APD a major threat
But the UK’s Air Passenger Duty remains a major concern for all Caribbean nations and Bartlett is no different.
The inequality with the US remains the major stumbling block to a solution to the issue.
Jamaica is predicting a 15 -20% reduction in UK arrivals which equates to approximately £50 million in lost revenue based on 2008 figures.
When pressed as to what the Caribbean is doing, Bartlett said: "In the UK we have identified 100 constituencies where the Caribbean vote can influence the result of an election.
"In 60 the Caribbean vote is actually in the majority and in the other 40 could tip the balance in a marginal.
"We intend to use this to our advantage.
"In addition we would hope to appoint a political lobbyist under the auspices of the CTO to help with matters’.
The Commonwealth meeting of ministers in Trinidad later in 2009 will also be used to lobby the UK chancellor in an effort to get parity with the US.
Despite the advent of APD this winter, Bartlett confirmed the importance of the UK market to Jamaican tourism.
Cuba signs up with Jamaica
With the expectation of relaxed travel regulations from the US to Cuba coming soon, the country is about to sign an agreement with Jamaica to carry out many joint activities including marketing.
Cruise remains high on the list for a remerging Cuba and Jamaica will use its expericne and knowledge of the market to assist Cuba over the coming months and years.
In addition, the two countries will jointly push for additional airlift in the regions, market the destinations and exchange training programs.
Jamaica to push for MICE market
With a new convention centre expected to be complete by early 2011, Jamaica will be pushing hard into the MICE market over the next 18 months.
With additional hotels and casinos now planned for the Montego Bay area, the Jamaica Tourist Board feels confident that the region and its relatively short flight time form major US east coast conurbations makes it a meetings winner.
Phil Davies
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