Jamaica Welcomes Record One Million Visitors in First Two Months of 2024
Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaica’s tourism sector has reached a historic milestone, welcoming a record one million visitors in the first two months of 2024. This remarkable achievement was disclosed by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during a press conference held at the Jamaica Tourist Board office in New Kingston.
Minister Bartlett revealed that the island earned an impressive US$1 billion through the tourism industry during this period. Speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference, Bartlett emphasized the significant growth trajectory of Jamaica’s tourism sector, particularly in the post-COVID era.
“Jamaica’s tourism industry has witnessed unprecedented growth in 2023, surpassing previous benchmarks set in 2019,” Bartlett stated. “We have welcomed four million visitors and earned US$4.2 billion, establishing a new standard for growth in our tourism history.”
Statistics provided by Bartlett indicate that Jamaica recorded 611,642 stopover arrivals in January and February, marking a notable 7.4% increase from the previous year. Additionally, cruise visitors to the island surged by 29.7%, totaling 389,319 during the same period. These figures contribute to a total arrival count of 1,000,961, reflecting a remarkable 15.1% increase. Earnings from tourism also saw a substantial rise, with an 8.5% increase.
Director of Tourism, Donovan White, underscored Jamaica’s commitment to providing unique and authentic experiences for visitors. “Jamaica’s tourism offerings remain top of the line,” White affirmed. “Our country provides unparalleled experiences that keep visitors returning.”
In a further testament to Jamaica’s prominence in the tourism industry, the island is set to host the 42nd staging of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 20-22 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James. The event, renowned as the most prestigious travel show in the region, is expected to attract 150 buyer companies and approximately 1,000 delegates.
The record-breaking tourism figures for the first two months of 2024 reaffirm Jamaica’s position as a leading destination in the Caribbean, highlighting its allure and appeal to travelers worldwide.
