Jamaica’s tourism is on track for 11% growth this year, according to the latest figures released by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Gross foreign exchange earnings are forecasted to reach US$4.12 billion, an estimated 13.3% increase on the previous year’s earnings.

Last year Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors, with total estimated revenue of $3.63 billion.

“Jamaica’s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections. We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for workers and the island’s economy. Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood and driver of economic growth and the industry’s growth means the country’s growth,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, speaking at Latin America travel trade show FITUR in Madrid.

The projected growth is based on Jamaica’s primary markets registering growth over the previous period. Visitor numbers from Canada are set to deliver 38.7% growth. Visitation from the U.S. is forecast to rise 7%, and the UK/Europe, 5.3%.

The JTB’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, said: “We could not achieve these successes without our partners. Our airline partners, tour operators, travel agents and so many more have contributed to the destination remaining top of mind and accelerating our recovery. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s focus on an integrated sales and marketing strategy, which is embedded in the pervasive use of new technologies along with a focus on new and emerging markets, has allowed the destination to leapfrog its own projections for growth.”

Source: Travelweek