As the global travel industry (including Travel Industry Today) gathers in Montego Bay this week for Caribbean Travel Marketplace, host country Jamaica reports that it has recorded an impressive 1.7 million visitors as of May 7 of this year – nearly five percent ahead of last year and putting the island on track to reach its goal of welcoming a whopping five million visitors by 2025.
Based on preliminary data, the island has recorded 1,016,185 stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers, representing a 4.6% increase in stopover arrivals and a 23% increase in cruise passengers respectively, compared to the same period in 2023.
The surge in visitors has also led to “the largest revenue flow from tourism in the history of the tourism industry” with preliminary gross earnings of US$4.38 billion, in its current fiscal year – a 9.6% increase over the fiscal year 2022/23.
While the US has maintained a majority stake in the overall market with a 74% share of total arrivals, Canada experienced remarkable growth of 38.6%, accounting for 12.9% of the market, Bartlett said.
Short-term vacation rental is also booming with data from Airbnb indicating that guest check-ins for January to December 2023 increased by 28% over 2022.
“Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Jamaica is on its way to achieving an unprecedented (5 million visitors) milestone,” said Jamaica’s minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett. “With one million stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers up to the first week of May, we are in a good position to make it happen.
“2024 began with a bang… The industry has enjoyed a record-breaking year, surpassing all industry experts’ expectations,” he added, noting that Jamaica is now poised to achieve its target of 5 million visitors in four years instead of the five years projected.
Cruising
Bartlett noted that Jamaica’s cruise business is leading the growth.
“Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) has reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica and has set a target of maintaining their tally of 400,000 visitors to Falmouth every year,” he revealed. “Additionally, Disney Cruise Lines expressed their satisfaction with their current operations in Falmouth and have expressed their willingness to consider Port Royal as a future destination, pending the requisite logistical arrangements.”
He further stated that positive discussions with MSC Cruises suggest a larger strategic partnership and potential infrastructure investments in Jamaica with negotiations also underway to attract luxury yacht calls from high-end operators.
Beyond these partnerships, the minister noted that Jamaica boasts several strategic advantages in the cruise industry such as leading the way in sustainability.
He also cited Jamaica’s homeporting potential, stating, “Jamaica is also able to serve as a homeporting destination, and we are exploring opportunities to expand the supply of goods and services to the vessels that visit our ports.”
By sea or by land, Jamaica’s director of tourism Donovan White, stated, “Jamaica remains a premier destination (for visitors) that is highly sought after for its authentic experiences. Whether it’s our food, music or entertainment, there is a vibe that only comes alive in Jamaica.”