Jamaica's tourism sector reports remarkable Q3 growth

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the tourism industry experienced another impressive quarter of expansion.

Citing initial data provided by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Bartlett said, "The economic performance indicators for the third quarter of this year reveal that Jamaica continues to shine as a top-tier destination, with a substantial rise in stopover arrivals and revenue.

From July 1 to September 30, 2023, Jamaica warmly received approximately 682,586 stopover visitors, marking a 5.5 percent upturn compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

Moreover, the earnings for this quarter exhibited a remarkable upward trajectory, reaching around US$1 billion, signifying a significant 7.3 percent increase over the same timeframe in 2022."

A noteworthy aspect of this growth trend is the performance of the UK market, which has consistently outperformed other international markets apart from the United States.

Commenting on this trend, Bartlett remarked, "The growth pattern in this market has been particularly remarkable, as the UK market continues to surpass other non-American markets, making Jamaica the number one destination in the Caribbean for UK tourists.

We aim to foster this growth, and our recent Jamaica Travel Market trade show in the UK, which just concluded, has indicated a continued upward trend."

The Jamaica Travel Market took place in the UK from September 28 to 29, offering businesses a unique opportunity to connect, network, negotiate, and engage with Jamaican suppliers, including resorts, hotels, ground agents, and car rental companies.

The tourism minister also highlighted the promising potential of the Canadian market, expressing optimism about its growth prospects.

During his visit to Canada, Bartlett launched the JTB's "Come Back to Luxury" campaign in Toronto and met with executives from major airlines offering flights to Jamaica, tour operators, and travel agents.