Jamaica Tourism Minister Proclaims Travel Advisors Crucial to Growth

Minister of Tourism has applauded their effort that has contributed to the destination welcoming 4.1million visitors last year.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical role that travel advisors play in advancing the growth of Jamaica’s tourism. Speaking at a special luncheon to honour top travel advisors in Northeast America, the Minister reflected on the effort and dedication of these advisors during the pandemic.

“We all remember the day planes stopped flying, ships stopped sailing and countries closed their borders. We did not know what the next day would hold but through data, innovation and public private sector partnerships, Jamaica was able to open its borders and remained open. Our valued travel advisors were first out the blocks, selling the destination, but more importantly our message of destination assurance to their clients,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Jamaica opened its borders June 15, 2020, through its robust health and safety protocols and one of a kind resilient corridor that had infrastructure in place to allow for a safe and seamless visitor experience during the pandemic.

“The country that made Jamaica recover is the United States which never closed its borders and within a year of the destination’s reopening, we welcomed one million visitors, 800 thousand of which came from the United States.

And of the 4.1 million visitors we welcomed last year, it is important to note that 3 million of them are from the United States, 2.2 million stopovers and the rest being cruise visitors. This impressive figure could not have been achieved without our travel advisors who continue to champion brand Jamaica and are dedicated to the destination,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Data shows that between 2020 to now, the market share of US visitors to Jamaica has increased from 63% to approximately 74%.

“In 2019, Jamaica welcomed roughly 1.6 million stopover US visitors which means since COVID, we have increased that number by 600 thousand. This speaks to the demand for the destination, confidence from the US market and the efforts of our tourism partners like our travel advisors,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

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 (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at visitjamaica.com/blog.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett during his presentation to Jamaica’s top selling Travel Advisors in Philadelphia on Saturday April 13, 2024. – image courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board