Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, assured the public on Wednesday that the island’s tourism industry remains strong despite the continued travel advisory.
Speaking at a post-cabinet press conference at Jamaica House, he stressed that such recommendations are within the jurisdiction of Jamaica’s international partners.
Operation of the rating system
Mr. Bartlett explained that these recommendations hinge on an assessment of Jamaica’s safety, security and seamlessness, which he explained are summarized in what he called the “three S’s.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards in line with international recognition.
proactive measures
Mr. Bartlett acknowledged the importance of addressing the concerns highlighted in these recommendations and emphasized continued efforts to correct the factors contributing to negative ratings.
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Collaborative efforts with diplomatic partners aim to improve understanding of Jamaica’s unique situation.
Leverage your good reputation
Mr. Bartlett highlighted Jamaica’s track record of providing safe and satisfying experiences, noting that the country’s repeat business rate is 42 percent, the highest in the region.
He emphasized the limited nature of its occurrence, contextualizing the event within the broader visitor population.
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encourage growth
Despite external recommendations, Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to thrive. The forecast for the 2023/24 financial year shows a significant increase in stopover arrivals, estimated at 2.96 million, reflecting a notable increase of 9.4%.
Similarly, the number of cruise arrivals in 2022/23 is expected to increase by 9% year on year, reaching a total of 1.34 million.
Mr Bartlett expressed satisfaction at the market’s confidence in Jamaica, as evidenced by the sustained number of visitors despite external recommendations.
