On the heels of Jamaica's strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic fallout, the 2023 forecast shows that the destination is on track to achieve 11% growth. Gross foreign exchange earnings for the 2023 calendar year are also forecasted to reach $4.12 billion USD, an estimated 13.3% increase on the previous year‟s earnings.   The announcement was made at FITUR, the largest tourism trade show held annually in   Spain. With thousands of participants each year, the fair is the global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America.   “Jamaica‟s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections. We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for workers and the island‟s economy. Tourism is Jamaica‟s lifeblood and driver of economic growth and the industry‟s growth means the country‟s growth," said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism.   The projected growth is based on Jamaica's primary markets registering growth over the previous period, with Canada strengthening its position to deliver 38.7% growth, the U.S. showing steady growth of 7%, and UK/Europe primarily demonstrating growth of 5.3% through the Eastern European markets.   “We could not achieve these successes without our partners. Our airline partners, tour operators, travel agents and so many more have contributed to the destination remaining top of mind and accelerating our recovery. The Jamaica Tourist Board‟s focus on an integrated sales and marketing strategy, which is embedded in the pervasive use of new technologies along with a focus on new and emerging markets, has allowed the destination to leapfrog its own projections for growth,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.   Last year, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and registered a remarkable recovery of earnings compared to pre-COVID earnings of 2019, with total estimated revenue of $3.63 billion USD. As the destination recovery has outpaced earlier projections, there is a high possibility that full recovery could be realized a year earlier than predicted.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has lauded Nigerian International music star, Burna Boy for a stellar performance, which attracted thousands of locals and visitors to the island's capital, Kingston on December 18, 2022. The heightening exposure of Jamaica brought by American Music stars Cardi B and Offset was also welcomed as the celebrity couple vacationed on the island recently to celebrate Offset’s birthday. "I applaud African superstar Burna Boy for his fantastic performance at the National Stadium on the weekend, which was certainly a must-see event for many of our locals, and indeed visitors to the island, who flocked Kingston to attend this massive entertainment offering. Likewise, having Cardi B and Offset here was another big plus too”, said Minister Bartlett. "Entertainment remains an important value-added product which we will continue to utilize strategically within the tourism industry to enhance the sector's growth. In fact, it is one of the passion points of our visitors and one of the many reasons why persons travel to Jamaica yearly. We therefore look forward to many more private-sector-led events in the near future, which will continue to positively impact our tourism sector and the many small and medium entrepreneurs who benefit from them," he added. The GRAMMY-winning Burna Boy announced his Love, Damini Summer 2022 Tour shortly after his record-breaking, sold-out debut at Madison Square Garden. On December 18, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, the Caribbean portion of the tour came to an end with performances by Popcaan, Toni-Ann Singh, and Lila Ike. "Jamaica continues to be the Caribbean's celebrity playground, with recent visits from other musicians like rappers Cardi B and Offset. There are several others, global celebrities, who have vacationed or are currently vacationing quietly, and they are very appreciative of the relaxed non-paparazzi like Jamaican culture, thereby allowing them to vacation in peace. Villas are the priority, but we do have many who have or are currently staying at known luxury hotels, Airbnbs and even some all-inclusives," said Delano Seiveright, Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Tourism Ministry. “On our part, we will continue to develop and promote our country around the world in order to encourage other major international celebrities to visit the island," Seiveright added. According to recent projections, Jamaica will see its strongest winter travel season ever this year, with anticipated record arrivals of 950,000 stopover visitors and 524,000 cruise passengers respectively. This is the highest volume of visitors the country has ever experienced — nearly 1.5 million for the entire season.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund has announced that Jamaica has earned USD $5.7 billion since reopening its borders in June 2020. The data also shows that the island welcomed over 5 million visitors over the same period. The announcement follows the destination’s strong tourism recovery efforts that resulted in its best summer ever according to arrivals figures.   For the summer period, the island recorded over 224,000 stopover arrivals in June while 2019 June figures show 222,000 arrivals.   “These phenomenal earnings and arrivals figures are truly a testament to the hard work of my Ministry, its public bodies and our many stakeholders and partners. Through our thought leadership, Jamaica was able to reopen its borders at the height of the pandemic and remain open to allow visitors to travel to the island safely and seamlessly.   This strong recovery is happening even amidst the disruptions that the pandemic is causing in the airline industry with flight cancellations and supply chain disruptions,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.   The Minister made the announcement at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Travel Marketplace, in San Juan Puerto Rico, where he is participating in the private-public partnership panel to discuss intra- Caribbean air connectivity, multi-destination marketing, and public policies for labor and employment, among other industry business matters.   Since reopening in June 2020, the island has welcomed approximately 5,173,000 visitors including stopover arrivals and cruise passengers.   “Tourism is a key driver in the overall economic recovery for Jamaica and these numbers augur well for the economy, lives and livelihoods. To have already earned USD $5.7 billion is huge given the major disruption caused by the pandemic,” added Minister Bartlett.   The island was one of the first destinations to reopen amidst the global coronavirus pandemic through its robust health and safety protocols and World Travel and Tourism Council approved resilient corridors. These innovative approaches allowed for the safe reopening of borders and travel and tourism activities.   “These numbers validate the hard work of our team and prove that our ideas and innovations are successful. We will continue our efforts to recover stronger as we work to surpass our 2019 achievements,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board.  

Jamaica hailed the record number of British visitors in February. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett made the announcement in London at the official launch of the island’s 60th anniversary of Independence. “This record number of British nationals to Jamaica is a sign that the destination is well on its way to recovery.” Over 18,000 British visitors arrived in February. Jamaica is on track to welcoming 200,000 British visitors by year-end and a total visitor count of 3.2 million overall. Minister Bartlett also encouraged the diaspora to go back to Jamaica to rediscover their heritage.

Jamaica is easing Covid-19 entry rules and lifting its indoor mask mandate. The Jamaica Covid testing Tourist Board said it will drop pre-departure PCR testing. These are ‘important strides’ for the country to boost international visitation, said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism.” We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination.” Visitors are asked to continue ‘observing best practices for health and safety,’ the JTB said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently downgraded Jamaica to ‘low’ Cobid-19 risk.  

Foreign visitors to Jamaica are no longer required to obtain travel authorization to enter. Travellers 12 years and older only need to provide a negative test result. Additionally, travellers to Jamaica no longer face travel-related quarantine measures. “Eliminating quarantines and the need for travellers to receive approval of the Travel Authorization form are key steps in relaxing our travel protocols,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are confident that these refreshed entry requirements will increase the appeal of Jamaica as a destination of choice.” Jamaica has recently shortened the isolation period required for US travellers who test positive for Covid-19, in keeping with CDC recommended guidelines, and eliminated quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated business travellers who present a negative PCR test. “We are continually reviewing our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols to align with best practices and ensure that Jamaica retains its position as a leading tourism destination,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “

  Tourist Board to Hit the Road, Meet with Travel Partners Across the U.S. and Share Updates on Tourism Product Offerings   The Caribbean’s leading tourist board, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), today announced its new national sales campaign, ‘Fall in Love with Jamaica Again and Again.’ The campaign includes special offers for bookings made through August 25, 2021, as well as an extensive in-person seminar series to valued travel advisor partners across the Northeast and Midwest.   “We are seeing positive signs indicating Jamaica is well on its way to recovery. Our visitation growth continues to exceed expectations, and now is the perfect time to launch a national effort to educate our travel partners and meet the pent-up demand for travel,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the JTB. “Throughout the past year, we’ve continued to invest in our tourism product offerings, and we’re proud to offer visitors a safe and world-class destination experience in Jamaica.”   Beginning on August 17 and continuing through November 4, the seminar series will include 21 presentations per region where the JTB’s business development officers will meet in-person with travel advisors and share important product updates and offers. More than 3,000 travel advisors are expected to attend. Partners can view the full schedule of seminars and register at www.visitjamaica.com/usa/seminars/.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C), greets Daynel Williams, 4th L, Jamaica’s one millionth visitor at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ). Sharing in the milestone moment are, from L-R, Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Shane Munroe, CEO MBJ; Kerry Ann Quallo-Casserly, Commercial Director; Nadine Spence, Area Chair Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA); and Audley Deidrick, President of MBJ. Daynel’s father Austin Williams (2nd L); mother Jennifer Williams (front row); and children Keon and Keona Francis, were also present.    Yesterday (Sunday, August 15), the Jamaica Tourist Board welcomed the arrival of the destination’s millionth visitor to the Sangster International Airport, a significant milestone since the country’s borders reopened on June 15, 2020. Daynel Williams, who arrived on JetBlue flight 1179 from New York, was greeted by the Minister of Tourism Hon Edmund Bartlett, Director of Tourism Donovan White and other tourism partners.   “The arrival of Daynel Williams, our millionth visitor since safely reopening, is an exciting milestone in Jamaica’s tourism recovery,” said Bartlett. “This moment is a testament to the hard work from all of our tourism workers and the success of the Jamaica CARES program, which has above all else, prioritized the health and safety of Jamaican citizens and visitors.”   Since reopening, Jamaica has successfully implemented the Jamaica CARES program that includes extensive health and safety protocols, entry testing, COVID-19 training for hospitality workers and travel authorization for every guest visiting the island. COVID-19 compliance certification is also required for hotels and attractions to ensure the safety of staff and guests.   “This is the fastest we have achieved one million visitors starting from zero arrivals and we are already seeing the signs of recovery with tourism workers being back on the job and earnings reaching US $1.5 billion,” added Minister Bartlett.   The extensive health and safety protocols have contributed to the continued rise of Jamaica’s visitor arrivals. Tourism levels for 2023 are currently projected to hit 3.7 million visitors and $3.5 billion in revenue, with 2024 on track to surpass 2019 levels with 4.2 million visitors and $4 billion in tourism revenue.   “We’re so proud of the Jamaica tourism sector and honoured by the influx of support since reopening 14 months ago,” said White. “Jamaica has so much to offer visitors, and I’m thrilled to see one million guests take advantage of our country’s diverse amenities and attractions.”   Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C), presents Daynel Williams, 2nd L, Jamaica’s one millionth visitor to the island, with a free stay courtesy of Royalton Resorts. Looking on are Shane Monroe, CEO of MBJ; Kerry Ann Quallo-Caserly, Regional Commercial Director, Blue Diamonds Resorts; and Clifton Reader, President of the JHTA. 

Jamaica has now reopened borders to UK based travellers after banning flights for several months. The ban was imposed under Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Act in December 2020, due to the discovery of the fast-spreading UK variant. Several other countries also imposed similar travel bans.  The ban was lifted due to the fact 'close to 50% of UK residents have received their second dose of vaccinations,' said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.   Read full story

Sandals Resorts International plans to add three new hotels in Jamaica. SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said Sandals Resorts will transform two all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica it acquired last year - the former Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark. In addition another property will take shape on a parcel of beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort. It will transform them into three distinct resorts under the Sandals and Beaches brands. The Dunn's River property will become Sandals Dunn's River. "My father grew up on the beach in Ocho Rios and this hotel, the first of its kind when it was built in the 1950s, captured the era's glamour and sparked his imagination.  When it became available, we jumped at the chance to bring the hotel back into the Sandals fold," said Stewart. It will receive a top-to-bottom renovation with the adjacent ocean-front land transformed into an additional brand-new resort. The Runaway Bay resort, located midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will also undergo extensive redevelopment to become Beaches Runaway Bay Resort. It becomes the third family-friendly Beaches Resort in Jamaica. On completion, the hotel will feature about 400 one, two, three and four-bedroom suites. Guests of Beaches Runaway Bay also have access to Runaway Bay Golf Club and its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course.