Jamaica Achieves One Million Visitors and US1 Billion in Earnings

Jamaica Tourism has reached astounding record numbers in the first 2 months of 2024.

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced that Jamaica has welcomed one million visitors and earned one billion in foreign exchange in the first two months of the year. The numbers highlight the impressive growth trajectory of the country’s tourism sector.

The announcement was made during a Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference, held yesterday at the Jamaica Tourist Board office in Kingston.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said, “I am particularly proud of the level of growth we have had post COVID. Normally 2019 was used as our benchmark for growth, but 2023 is now that new benchmark as we broke two important barriers – welcoming four million visitors and earning four point two billion.”

“Against all odds, Jamaica has broken another barrier by welcoming one million visitors and earning one billion in foreign exchange the first 2 months.”

“This is unprecedented in the country’s tourism history,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

Jamaica recorded 611,642 stopover arrivals, which represents a 7.4% increase and 389,319 cruise visitors, which is a 29.7% increase. Total arrivals reflect 1,000,961, an increase of 15.1%. From these arrival figures the island has earned US1billion, which is an impressive increase of 8.5%.

“We continue to work with our tourism partners across the globe to ensure that our tourism offerings remain top of the line. Jamaica provides unique and authentic experiences that keeps visitors keep coming back,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Jamaica will also host the 42^nd staging of the most prestigious travel show in the region, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, from May 20-22 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The event is expected to attract 150 buyer companies and approximately 1000 delegates.

About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and Germany and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Spain, Italy, Mumbai and Tokyo.

In 2022, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 15th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 17th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica earned seven awards in the prestigious gold and silver categories at the 2022 Travvy Awards, including ‘‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall’, ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’ ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean.’ Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. 

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (c) making his presentation during the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference at the Jamaica Tourist Board Office in Kingston yesterday. Sharing in the moment are (l-r) Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg, President of the CHTA and Mr. Robin Russell, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).