: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (c) making his presentation during the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference at the Jamaica Tourist Board Office in Kingston yesterday. Sharing in the moment are (l-r) Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg, President of the CHTA and Mr. Robin Russell, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has announced that Jamaica has welcomed one million visitors and earned one billion in foreign exchange in the first two months of the year. The numbers highlight the impressive growth trajectory of the country’s tourism sector.
The announcement was made during a Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference, held yesterday at the Jamaica Tourist Board office in Kingston.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said, “I am particularly proud of the level of growth we have had post covid. Normally 2019 was used as our benchmark for growth, but 2023 is now that new benchmark as we broke two important barriers – welcoming four million visitors and earning four point two billion.
Against all odds, Jamaica has broken another barrier by welcoming one million visitors and earning one billion in foreign exchange the first two months. This is unprecedented in the country’s tourism history,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
Jamaica recorded six hundred and eleven thousand, six hundred and forty-two (611,642) stopover arrivals, which represents a 7.4% increase and three hundred and eight-nine thousand, three hundred and nineteen (389,319) cruise visitors, which is a 29.7% increase. Total arrivals reflect one million, nine hundred and sixty-one (1,000,961), an increase of 15.1%. From these arrival figures the island has earned US1billion, which is an impressive increase of 8.5percent.
“We continue to work with our tourism partners across the globe to ensure that our tourism offerings remain top of the line. Jamaica provides unique and authentic experiences that keeps visitors keep coming back,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Jamaica will also host the 42nd staging of the most prestigious travel show in the region, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, from May 20-22 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The event is expected to attract 150 buyer companies and approximately 1000 delegates.