NEW DELHI, 16 November 2024: Jamaica’s tourism sector is set for continued expansion as global travel surges towards 1.5 billion travellers by the end of this year, with projections of nearly 3 billion tourists worldwide in the next two decades.

Addressing the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined several strategies aimed at ensuring that Jamaica remains a top destination and continues to experience growth in the competitive global tourism market.

Minister Bartlett urged local tourism partners to be innovative and adaptive to emerging trends, emphasising that Jamaica must prepare for the rising wave of travellers by building the necessary capacity and offering superior service.

During the 63^rd AGM, Minister Bartlett revealed plans for a marketing blitz in India, one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with a roadshow planned in Q1 2025. “The Asian-Pacific countries will constitute the largest block of outbound tourism in the world. In 2 to 5 years, India will be the second most powerful economy. We are positioning Jamaica to be part of that growth,” Bartlett shared.

To support these efforts, the tourism minister disclosed that the Jamaican government has committed JMD 1 billion to tourism marketing through the end of the financial year. Minister Bartlett expressed confidence that with these strategies in place, Jamaica’s tourism sector is well-positioned for continued success.

Additionally, in regard to the tourism expansion plans, Jamaica’s tourism industry will be building Jamaica’s fourth International Airport in Negril. A hotel boom is also underway in Jamaica. Starting with the Spanish hospitality group Princess Hotels & Resorts, has opened two luxury all-inclusive properties in Jamaica, Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica. These are the company’s first resorts in Jamaica, situated in a cove on Green Island, close to the Caribbean Sea, and a 34-mile drive from Montego Bay Airport.

***

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, New Delhi, Tokyo and Paris. In 2023, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it named “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 15^th consecutive year, “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the 17 th consecutive year, and the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” in the World Travel Awards – Caribbean.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded six gold 2023 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best

Honeymoon Destination’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ and ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ as well as two silver Travvy Awards for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall.’’ It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications. For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaican Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.