Jamaica is forecasting a record-breaking year for Canadian tourist arrivals.
Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board, said in the first five months of 2023 (JAN to MAY), Jamaica welcomed 98,000 visitors from Canada.
Airlift from Canada to Jamaica also holds strong into the summer season, with nearly 136,000 seats available for flights between MAY and AUG. This represents a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Looking ahead, Jamaica's tourism authorities project a total of approximately 360,000 arrivals from Canada by the end of 2023. If achieved, this number would surpass the previous record set in 2016.
"Jamaica’s arrivals continue to rise and we are very grateful to all who have contributed to our success in lifting our tourism product to new heights," said Bennett. "The ongoing growth from the Canadian market is a clear testament to the success of our destination marketing initiatives and the Jamaica Tourist Board's strong relationships with our travel partners."
The overall success of Jamaica's tourism industry is evident in its global performance.
In 2022, the country welcomed over 3.3 million visitors, marking a 117 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Foreign exchange earnings also saw a boost, totalling over USD $3.6 billion. This number represents a 71.4 per cent increase as compared to 2021 and is on par with 2019 levels.
Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, said, “The fact that Jamaica continues to outpace visitor arrivals and earnings projections is a testament to the resilience and unwavering appeal of the island’s tourism product as well as the excellent relationships we enjoy with our travel industry partners."
Bartlett predicts that 2023 will witness a full recovery in annual figures, surpassing previous estimates that projected full recovery by 2024.
The United States remains the largest source market for tourist arrivals in Jamaica, accounting for approximately 75 per cent of all visitors. However, Bennett said the steady increase in Canadian visitors signals a diversification of Jamaica's tourism base and reinforces the country's ability to attract a global audience.
Bennett added, "As we look ahead, Jamaica is building its capacity to attract more visitors. We are expanding our on-island tourism offerings, developing new accommodations and attractions, and we are working closely with Canadian airlines and tour operators to increase airlift and launch new routes into the destination."
More information about Jamaica can be found on Visit Jamaica.
