Jamaica Recorded Four Percent Tourism Growth in 2008

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has revealed that despite the economic downturn in major markets overseas, this island experienced a four percent growth in tourist arrivals last year and earned $2 billion in revenue.

The Caribbean island nation welcomed 1,757,000 visitors, which was 63,000 more than the previous year, according to Mr. Bartlett.

Noting that the United States continued to dominate the market, accounting for 65 percent of arrivals –up 1.2 percent from the previous year- Mr. Bartlett added that “this is significant because the U.S. suffered the greatest impact of the downturn in the global economy.”

He also made special mention of Canada which was the biggest growth market, with arrivals from that country increasing by 53 percent in the month of November. Minister Bartlett credited the improved performance of the sector to intense advertising, marketing and promotion of the island overseas.