Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica could see a dramatic surge in visitor arrivals—potentially doubling or even tripling current numbers—if the ongoing reduction in crime persists.
His comments were made in support of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who recently underscored crime as the main obstacle standing in the way of Jamaica attracting 10 to 15 million visitors annually. Dr. Holness delivered his remarks during a keynote address at the St. James East Central Scholarship Programme Fundraiser, held at the Iberostar Hotel in St. James on May 3.
Minister Bartlett, who also serves as Member of Parliament for St. James East Central, fully endorsed the Prime Minister’s position. “If we keep weeding out the bad apples and maintaining our focus on safety and security, we could see visitor numbers soar beyond what we have ever imagined. The vibes are right; people around the world are telling us they want to come to Jamaica,” he said.
He noted that the recent downward trend in crime has been a game-changer for both tourism and the wider society. “What we’re witnessing now in terms of crime reduction is not just good news for the tourism industry but also for our local communities,” Bartlett said. “A safer Jamaica means a better quality of life for our citizens and a more attractive destination for travellers,” he added.
The Minister cited recent data showing a steady decline in violent crime and other criminal activity across the island. “Our crime rate has been trending downward, and this positive trajectory is reflected in the increasing number of visitor arrivals and revenue generated from tourism. This is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing security initiatives and community engagement programmes,” he said.
Bartlett also highlighted that this improving safety record could influence the United States Department of State’s travel advisory, which is currently under review—potentially paving the way for even more growth in the sector.
As Jamaica’s tourism industry continues to rebound strongly, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering safety measures. “We are investing heavily in security infrastructure, community-based patrols, and tourism-specific safety protocols. Our goal is to create a seamless, safe experience for visitors from the moment they arrive until they leave,” he said.
“Our message to the world is clear: Jamaica is safe, welcoming, and ready to host more visitors than ever before,” Bartlett added.
