In the first two months of this year, Jamaica celebrated a milestone with a record-breaking one million visitors.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced this achievement during a press conference at the Jamaica Tourist Board office in New Kingston, held as part of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace event.
Bartlett also revealed that the tourism industry generated US$1 billion during this period, emphasizing the remarkable growth trajectory of Jamaica’s tourism sector.
“I am particularly proud of the level of growth we have had post-COVID. Normally 2019 was used as our benchmark for growth, but 2023 is now that new benchmark as we broke two important barriers — welcoming four million visitors and earning US$4.2 billion,” said Bartlett as he underscored that the performance so far this year is unprecedented in the country’s tourism history.
US travel advisory a non-factor
Despite a Level 3 advisory issued by the U.S. State Department for Jamaica on January 23, the historic figures prevailed.
The advisory highlighted the prevalence of violent crimes on the island and the frequent occurrence of sexual assaults, even at all-inclusive resorts.
Additionally, it noted that local law enforcement often lacks effectiveness in responding to serious criminal incidents and highlighted variations in emergency services and hospital care across the island, which may not always offer high-level or specialized care.
In spite of this, travelers, particularly from the United States, flocked to the island. Several celebrities, including actress Nia Long, TLC’s Chilli alongside boyfriend Matthew Lawrence, and retired track and field athlete Allyson Felix, have also visited Jamaica since the start of the year.
