Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, reassured the public on Wednesday that the island’s tourism industry remains robust despite ongoing travel advisories. Speaking at the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, he emphasized that such advisories fall under the jurisdiction of Jamaica’s international partners.
Bartlett elucidated that these advisories hinge upon assessments of Jamaica’s safety, security, and seamlessness, encapsulated in what he referred to as the “three Ss.” He underscored the importance of maintaining the highest standards to align with international evaluations.
Acknowledging the significance of addressing concerns highlighted in these advisories, Bartlett highlighted ongoing efforts to rectify any factors contributing to negative assessments. Collaborative endeavors with diplomatic counterparts aim to foster a deeper comprehension of Jamaica’s unique circumstances.
Emphasizing Jamaica’s track record of providing secure and gratifying experiences, Bartlett pointed to the country’s repeat business rate of 42 per cent, the highest in the region. He contextualized incidents within the broader visitor population, emphasizing their limited occurrence.
Despite external advisories, Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to flourish. Projections for the 2023/24 fiscal year indicate a significant uptick, with stopover arrivals estimated at 2.96 million, reflecting a notable 9.4 per cent increase. Similarly, cruise arrivals are expected to rise by nine percent compared to the previous period in 2022/23, totaling 1.34 million.
Bartlett expressed satisfaction with the market’s confidence in Jamaica, evident in the sustained visitor numbers despite external advisories.