Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the tourism sector has grown by 36 percent over the past 30 years, against a total economic growth of 10 percent.

The noted that the sector is the single largest contributor to Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP), as well as a main source of foreign revenues.

“It is multidimensional and multifaceted, interfacing with nearly every economic sector, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, finance, the creative and cultural industries, construction and many other services,” Mr. Bartlett said.

“To put it in perspective, tourism drives 15 percent of construction, 10 percent of banking and finance, 20 percent of manufacturing, and 21 percent of utilities, agriculture, and fisheries,” he added.

The Minister was speaking at a Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy (DAFS) consultation meeting at the Negril Community Centre, Norman Manley Boulevard, Westmoreland on March 23.

Mr. Bartlett also pointed to the quick recovery of the tourism sector, following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that 2022, was a record year.

“We closed the year with some 3.3 million visitors and earnings of US$3.6 billion. Furthermore, 2023 is shaping up to be another record year with stopover arrivals for the first ten weeks at 558,119, a 55.6 per cent increase over the same period last year,” he stated.

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Edited by Jesus Chan

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