Jamaica's Tourism Industry Aims for 5 Million Tourists & $5 Billion In Earnings by 2025 and 2026

Jamaica's tourism industry is on track for a significant year, with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, unveiling optimistic projections at the recent Standing Finance Committee meeting. The island nation anticipates welcoming an impressive 4.2 million visitors by the end of the 2023/24 fiscal year, generating an estimated US$4.1 billion in revenue.

Reaching for Five Million: Growth Strategy in Sight

Minister Bartlett outlined a promising roadmap, aiming to achieve the ambitious "5x5x5" growth strategy: five million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025. This target aligns with projections for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which anticipates earnings reaching close to US$5 billion.

Cruise Tourism Rebounds, Stopovers Set to Break Records

The good news extends beyond stopovers. Cruise tourism is experiencing a strong rebound, with 2024/25 projections mirroring pre-pandemic levels at 1.3 million arrivals.

Breaking New Ground: Achieving One-to-One Visitor-to-Local Ratio

A landmark moment is projected for stopover arrivals, with the expectation of surpassing the three-million mark for the first time in Jamaican history. This achievement holds significant weight: "At that point, the ratio of visitors to locals will be one-on-one," explained Minister Bartlett, highlighting the substantial economic impact this will generate.

Investing in the Future: Building a Stronger Supply Chain

Recognizing the importance of a robust infrastructure and supply chain, Minister Bartlett outlined plans for a supplies logistics center within a special economic zone. This initiative aims to:

• Enhance local skills
• Create exportable tourism expertise
• Position Jamaica as a hub for industry innovation

Preparing for a Changing Landscape: Regional Tourism Academy & Retraining Programs

In collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Jamaica is spearheading the development of a regional tourism academy. This academy will equip future industry professionals with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape, characterized by advancements in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Digitalization
• Virtualization

Minister Bartlett emphasized the crucial role of retraining existing workers to meet these emerging demands. This proactive approach ensures Jamaica's continued success at the forefront of the global tourism industry.

Stay tuned to www.PureJamaicaMedia.com for further updates on the exciting developments in Jamaica's tourism sector. We'll continue to bring you the latest news on visitor arrivals, industry trends, and investment opportunities.