Jamaica records historic milestone, welcomed over 2 million visitors in first five months of 2024

Jamaica: It is a huge and significant milestone for the tourism sector of Jamaica that it has witnessed the arrival of over 2 million passengers in the first five months of 2024. These figures marked an 8.5% increase in arrivals of the tourists which led the nation earn USD 1.9 billion.

As per the reports, nearly 12,65,830 passengers made the stopover arrivals. Meanwhile, 7,45,812 visitors arrived to the shores of the island nation via cruise tourism. Notably, the data was revealed by Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett during the launch ceremony of Reggae Sumfest on Thursday, 30th May 2024.

During the event, the Minister stated that it is for the first time that Jamaica has recorded this historic figure of 2 million visitors within the first five months of the year. He stated that it is a testament to the confidence that their partners and all the tourists have in Jamaica.

Moreover, Minister Bartlett added that the Reggae Sumfest has always been the biggest crowd driver for the island nation. He noted that since 2016, the festival has seen around 175 thousand patrons with 35,000 being visitors. The festival will not only attract large number of tourists to the country but will also play a crucial role in enhancing the economic conditions of the nation.

Minister Edmund Bartlett remarked that the Reggae Sumfest has always been and must-visit event for both local and international visitors. He stated that it also creates several opportunities for the local citizens which gave them a platform to showcase and sell their goods and services, promoting local businesses.

He further stated that this is why they continue to partner with the festival in order to attract more travellers to the island which could bring economic benefit to the community.

Minister Bartlett asserted that the island nation is anticipating to welcome 4.58 million visitors by the end of the year with an increase of 9.6% in earnings of USD 4.38 billion. For the same, he promised to continue to make stringent efforts with a motive to elevate the tourism sector of the island nation to greater heights.