Jamaica projects a strong tourism winter season
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook anticipates positive growth this winter season which begins today, December 15 through to April 15 and for even after the season ends. The director said he expects a strong winter season to follow a strong spring and summer this year.
“We’re coming off a very strong winter last year and this coming winter we have almost 2,000 more rooms in our accommodation stock, plus an additional 4,000 airline seats from the United States,” said Pennicook. “With additional room inventory, increased air seats and with a robust advertising and public relations program in place, we are looking forward to a positive winter season.”
According to statistics from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), for January-October this year Jamaica recorded over 1.7 million stopover arrivals, an increase of 2.4 percent and also welcomed over 1.3 million cruise passenger arrivals at Jamaica’s three major ports, an increase of 9.1 percent.
Pennicook said, “Our overall growth projection for 2017 in total visitor arrivals is over 6 percent in 2016. We’re looking in the region of 2.3 million stopover arrivals and 1.8 million cruise passengers.”
During the past year, the island’s hotel sector has witnessed a significant boost in hotel rooms with a number of new developments. In November 2016, the 228 all-suites Royalton Blue Waters in Trelawny and the 454-room adults only RIU Reggae officially opened. The RIU is the third property in Montego Bay owned by the Spanish chain. Also opening recently were the Royal Decameron’s new 142-room hotel on Cornwall Beach. The AM Resorts’ 150-room Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa is scheduled to open on December 15
The nation’s hotel occupancy will be buoyed soon in Negril with the pending opening of the 600 room Hideaway at Royalton and Royalton Negril Resort & Spa, while Azul 7 Beach Resort will increase its room count by 150.
For summer 2017, Spanish Court will enter the leisure market with the opening of the 120-room Spanish Court Montego Bay, formerly Breezes Montego Bay.
The JTB said despite challenges experienced in global tourism this year Jamaica continues to hold its own. The Tourism Director attributes this to the strength of the Jamaican brand. He said Jamaica has much to offer including its natural resources, its “tantalizing culinary offerings,” world renowned music, and rich culturally experiences.
