NEW DELHI, 18 June 2024: Jamaica’s hosting of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) flagship event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42, from May 20- 23, has been hailed as “a resounding success”. The event welcomed 1,200 delegates from more than 45 countries. The Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42 had well over 12,750 scheduled appointments, which signals full post COVID-19 recovery of tourism in Jamaica. The event, held at Montego Bay Convention Centre, brought new ideas, an opportunity to look at best practices and to give support to each other in building the industry.

Following the success of CHTA Caribbean Marketplace, Jamaica has recorded a historic 2 million visitors within the first five months of the year. Preliminary data has highlighted that the island welcomed 1,265,830 stopover arrivals and 745,812 cruise passengers from January to May. This translates to an 8.5% increase in arrivals and USD 1.9 billion in earnings.

Honourable Minister Bartlett made the announcement at the launch of Reggae Sumfest. “We are seeing the fruits of our collective labour and I am pleased that through public and private sector partnerships, our tourism product continues to be highly sought after. For the first time, Jamaica has recorded this historic figure of 2 million visitors within the first five months of the year and this is testament to the confidence our partners and visitors have in the destination,” said Minister Bartlett.

The island’s forecast for 2024 is 4.58 million visitors with a 9.6% increase in earnings of USD4.38 billion.

The Minister also applauded the festival’s organizers while highlighting the impact it has had on tourism’s growth over the years. Reggae Sumfest, which began in 1993, is the largest music festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean, taking place each year in mid-July in Montego Bay. Each year, thousands of people, local and international, flock to the country’s tourism capital for a weeklong set of festivities, that culminate in two nights of major performances.

This year, the Reggae Sumfest is set to make a grand return to Montego Bay, from 14th to 20th July. The event is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, inspire and uplift. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised the Reggae Sumfest team for their cultural and financial contributions, noting that music festivals are vibrant celebrations of culture, diversity, and human connection.

“Music festivals stand out as prime destinations for travellers seeking unforgettable moments and have a direct link to the business of tourism. Reggae Sumfest has welcomed approximately 175,000 patrons since 2016, with an estimated 35,000 international visitors. It enhances tourism growth and brings more wealth into our destination”, said Minister Bartlett.

Reggae Sumfest is the island's summer reggae festival held over a week with its main nights from Thursday to Saturday. The 2024 staging is scheduled for July 14 - 20 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

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 15th 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.