Things are looking up in Jamaica as a report by the tourist board indicates that there has been a 20% increase in arrivals in the first half of 2003, in comparison with the same period last year. Reports suggest that this is largely due to an influx of cruise ship arrivals.
The cruise sector has come under heavy fire recently, especially from particular members of the CHA, regarding its effect on denting land-based tourism figures. In this instance however, the director of tourism Paul Pennicook believes the cruise industry has been the primary source of recovery on the island.
“It`s inspiring to see such a remarkable comeback for tourism, and to know that so many people are traveling again,” he said. He also indicated that aggressive promotion by the JTB has assisted the increase.
The number of cruise passenger arrivals to Jamaica
leap-frogged 40% to 601,214, compared with 431,765 in 2002. By comparison, Jamaica`s room overnights grew 6% to 678,315 from January to June, up from 634,015 in the first six months of 2002.
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Take a virtual tour of Jamaica at: www.virtually-jamaica.com

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