According to new figures, 2016 was a record-breaking year for Jamaica’s tourism. Welcoming 210,000 visitors from the UK last year, an increase of more than 4%, this Caribbean island seems to be the place everyone is flocking to.
In the first 10 months of the year, the figures were already looking promising, despite being hit by Hurricane Matthew, which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said, “The latest figures are truly proof of the strength of Jamaica’s tourism products”.
That said, Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations among British holidaymakers.
In contrast, Jamaica recorded 2.1 million overnight visitors and 1.5 million cruise ship arrivals in 2015. But 2016’s figures do not include cruise ship passengers – they are solely based on stopover visitors.
So, we could see an even bigger rise in 2017 as British Airways have confirmed that they will be sending more passengers to Jamaica on additional flights to Kingston and Thomson Airways will be adding approximately 7,000 extra seats to Montego Bay.
Jamaica’s high tourism figures could be down to a number of things from the locals to the beautiful beaches and the music. But officials seem to believe the food is one of the main draws, and are looking to increase this by offering alternatives to the world-famous jerk chicken.
“Throughout 2017, we will continue our focus on health and wellness offerings, shopping, culinary tourism and the meetings and convention sector as well as all facets of leisure tourism” said Edmund Bartlett.
Therefore, their investment in these factors will hopefully draw in more visitors, resulting in even higher figures for 2017. Can’t wait to try authentic jerk chicken or walk the white-sand shores? Book a holiday to Jamaica today!
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/45806/riu-reggae/
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/15110/royal-decameron-club-caribbean?
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