Minister Bartlett introduced himself to the Madam Speaker by saying,” I stand in this Honorable House this evening to highlight the amazing success of Jamaica’s tourism sector, which stands as a pillar of economical growth and prosperity.” In addition to placing Jamaica on the international map, the record-breaking accomplishments in tourism have also served as a catalyst for total national economic growth.
In 2023, Jamaica’s tourism industry experienced unheard-of growth, drawing tourists from all over the world to enjoy its unspoiled beaches, top-rated attractions, radiant culture, exquisite food, and welcoming hospitality. Profits have increased significantly as a result of the influx of tourists, reaching new highs.
According to projections, the area should receive 4, 122, 100 visitors between January and December 2023. This may mean a 23.7 % increase over the total number of visitors that were counted in 2022. 2, 875, and 549 of these people are anticipated to be stopover readers, which is a 16 % increase over the number of visitors noted in 2022. Also, it is anticipated that there will be 1, 246, 551 boat passengers at the end of the time, a 46.1 % increase over the entire for 2022.
In terms of both customer immigrants and revenue, this continues the commerce industry’s explosive growth design. Since the COVID- 19 crisis, Jamaica has experienced significant growth for 10 consecutive rooms, and based on appearance data to time, all signs point to further progress in the 11th third.
This influx of tourists is anticipated to bring in a staggering US$ 4.265 billion in tourism revenue for 2023, an increase of 17.8 % over 2022’s revenue and 17.2 % over the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
By the end of the year, the country will have exceeded expectations for 4 million visitors and US$ 4.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings if it maintains its impressive progress path.
Another estimated collapse of these income includes: primary revenues to the government’s coffers.
– US$ 57.5 million or JA$ 8.9 billion in Tourism Enhancement Fund ( TEF ) fees that go directly to the Consolidated Fund
US$ 100.6 million or JA$ 15.6 billion in withdrawal taxes
Airport Improvement Fee: US$ 28.8 million, JA$ 4.47 billion.
– US$ 57.5 million or JA$ 8.9 billion in aircraft customer levies
– Customer Fees and Costs: US$ 69 million, JA$ 10.7 billion
JA$ 3.5 billion or GART- US$ 26. 6 million
Total direct revenues ( all aforementioned ): US$ 336 million or JA$ 52 billion
Only the strong revenues are included in this; the indirect revenues, which are significantly higher and include money spent at eateries, shops, supermarkets, create vendors, attractions, ground transportation providers, tour guides, Airbnb, the thousands of people who are employed both directly and indirectly, as well as connections through farmers, manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers, construction activities, and so on, are not.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
As tools were combined, business approach was broadened, and synergies were established, strategic partnerships improved Jamaica’s tourism success. Increased brand awareness, increased visitor numbers, and a variety of user experience have all been facilitated by partnerships with airlines, travel companies, hotels and stores.
International business blitzes throughout 2023 have been crucial to Brand Jamaica’s rising demand and the accompanying rise in aircraft. These included:
– Argentina, Chile, and Peru as efforts were made to reclaim a portion of the attractive tourist industry in South America. Over the course of the next five decades, the goal is to increase the number of visitors coming from this supply market to 250,000.
– Eastern Europe will support Destination Jamaica as the 19th World Athletic Championships are held in August in Budapest, Hungary. In order to discuss the new strategy Jamaica will use to employ Central and Eastern European nations, such as Poland, Georgia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, among others, the Tourism Minister met with more than 50 tour operators, travel agencies, press members.
– Canada, where prestigious ultra-luxury firms led by Ensemble Travel and Kensington Tours participated in the Toronto release of Jamaica’s newest comfort business advertising,” Come Back to Luxurious Jamaica.”
– The United Kingdom, where Jamaica currently ranks first among European visitors to the Caribbean. The nation has then set a new goal of welcoming 250, 000 customers outside of the UK and Ireland by 2025, according to the World Travel Market London.
Additionally, aircraft pledges are rising, and the winter season in 2023–2024 is looking promising. To drive winter travel reservations, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB ) is still actively working with tour operators and airlines. New airlifts are being provided by Southwest Airlines, Canada Jetlines, Flair, Frontier Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, and LATAM Airlines.
A report 1.05 million flight seats have been reserved from virtually 6, 000 flights entering the country from the United States during the upcoming winter season, demonstrating Destination Jamaica’s strong confidence in the airline. Over the winter of 2022–2023, when a staggering 923, 000 flight votes were counted, this increase in evacuation represents an increase of 13 %.
Between January and April 2024, 10 airlines have so far reserved 5,914 planes from important US gates to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International airports in Kingston, bringing the total number of planes for the 2023 Christmas holiday season to 10.
Investor assurance is still high, and the nation plans to build 20,000 new areas over the next 10 to 15 times, including 2,000 in 2024. The first 1,000 areas of the Princess Grand Jamaica, which has 2, 000 areas, the 753 rooms Riu Palace Aquarelle, and the 450 areas Unico Hotel in Montego Bay are all scheduled to debut the following month.
It was revealed at a meeting held in November at the World Travel Market London that distinguished international hotel chain Lopesan, known for its impressive collection of over 17, 000 hotel apartments across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, is attempting to build 2,000-room luxury hotel on the island. Over 2,500 direct and indirect tasks are anticipated to be created as a result of the development, which will also benefit numerous producers, manufacturers, small businesses, and other stakeholders.
Strong investments from Caribbean business interests, Thailand, the Middle East, Mexico, and, of course, Western interests are also coming quickly in addition to these effective developments.
HUMAN CAPITAL BUILDING LINKAGES &
Beyond its immediate effects, the booming tourism sector has started to fuel additional economic areas. Local firms have thrived as they meet the various needs of travelers, from eateries and attractions to farmers and producers. Agriculture, vehicles, and different service industries have all grown as a result of this.
A strong economic habitat has been created as a result of the symbiotic relationship between hospitality and these industries. Additionally, the benefits go beyond immediate monetary benefits. Infrastructure investments, such as superior facilities and improved transportation networks, not only improve the visitor experience but also advance the country’s total development. Tourism’s increased revenue enables additional investments in social welfare, care, and education, promoting a better quality of life for all Jamaicans.
The success of the Agri- Linkages Exchange ( ALEX ) platform, which has brought in about$ 1 billion in sales by small farmers, serves as an example of this. These are back farmers who sell to nearby hotels and restaurants, as well as small farmers with 3 and 5 acre lots. The TEF and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA ) have collaborated on the ALEX platform, which has completely changed how hoteliers and farmers interact.
The National Export-Import ( EXIM ) Bank’s tourism loan disbursements, which have exceeded$ 1 billion for 2023, serve as further proof of this. The Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises ( SMTE ) loan facility, which is run by TEF and supported by the EXIM Bank, is crucial for boosting the tourism industry’s resilience and capacity. With the help of this initiative, business owners now have access to financing up to$ 25 million at a competitive interest rate of 4.5 % for five years.
The country continues to invest in the ongoing training and certification of hundreds of business workers across the island and offers them fresh opportunities through the human capital growth arm, the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI). Over 15, 000 people have received expert certification from the JCTI since 2017, strengthening the country’s dedication to the development of human capital in the hospitality industry.
For hardworking sector workers who can now withdraw in comfort and dignity in their later decades, the ground-breaking Tourism Workers Pension Scheme ( TWPS), which went into effect in January 2022, continues to offer a much-needed safety nets.
In July of this year, the annuity plan held its first hybrid annual general meeting. The Government of Jamaica seeded$ 1 billion to enable qualified pensioners to receive immediate gains. With more than 9, 000 workers registered and thousands more on the way, the fund’s member contributions are currently well over$ 1 billion.
President OF TOURISM Endurance
Through its corporate activities and unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism methods, Jamaica continues to play a crucial role in fostering global commerce endurance. The World Tourism Endurance &, Crisis Management Centre ( GTRCMC) actively addresses measures to lessen the effects of external shocks on the international tourism and travel industry, such as natural disasters and international crises.
The Honorable Minister Bartlett just returned from Dubai, where he spoke with world leaders, state staff, and other important participants about how to control and plan for climate change at COP 28, the UN Climate Change Conference 2023. At the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank’s ( CAF ) Summit, the Minister delivered the keynote speech with the theme” We are the Caribbean: We Are the Solution.”
As part of the 30th annual World Travel Awards, which are regarded as the Oscars for the hospitality and go sector, the Minister gave out the first World Tourism Endurance Awards while in that location.
The five winners were the UAE commercial powerhouses DP World, an Emirati foreign logistics company that specializes in goods logistics, slot terminal operations, sea services, and free trade zones, as well as Dnata, a leading provider of international air and travel services that provides ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and wholesale services in more than 30 countries across six continents.
The GTRCMC, an global think tank with offices in Jamaica and satellites in Africa, Canada, and the Middle East, is in charge of the World Tourism Resilience Prizes.
At the prestigious World Travel Awards, Jamaica took home two significant honors:” World’s Best Family Destination” and” Wolfound Crusade.”
During the ancient celebration of the United Nations ‘ declaration of February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day, which Jamaica promoted, the conversation on commerce endurance and investment will remain in earnest in Jamaica the following month. Jamaica will host the second conducting of this event in Montego Bay from February 16 to 17, as part of a global assessment of that day.
The United Nations General Assembly is preparing to carry a Governmental Conversation on Tourism Resilience on February 14, 2024, just before that to further emphasize the importance of the work and the message’s global approach.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ), and His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will serve as the conference’s chairman. The conference will bring together international thought leaders, academics, ministers of government, investment experts, and other stakeholders involved in the tourism industry from the Middle East, Africa, or the Caribbean.
The Ministry of Tourism, the GTRCMC, Caribbean Tourism Organization ( CTO ), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association ( CHTA ), International Tourism Investment Conference, Jacobs Media, and World Travel Awards are all working together to organize the conference.
REMAINING FORWARD MOMENTUM
The tourism minister is confident that Jamaica’s spring travel time, which begins in 2023–2024, will be a record for both arrivals and revenue. This is fantastic news because Jamaica’s tourism sector is what is bringing the country to previously unheard-of monetary levels.
In particular with the agricultural and manufacturing industries, tourism growth continues to support stronger cross-sectoral ties, encourage small-scale innovative endeavors, and encourage the greater addition of local communities along the hospitality value chain.
As it continues on its journey as a people to improve performance and foster harmony, development, and prosperity, the country is making sure that the connected network of opportunities that tourism creates may boost not only the tourism sector but the whole nation.
SOURCE: Wonderful achievements in Jamaican tourism
