JAMAICA welcomed a record one million visitors in the first two months of this year.

The number was disclosed by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett during a Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace press conference held on Thursday at the Jamaica Tourist Board office in New Kingston.

Bartlett also indicated that the island earned US$1 billion through the tourism industry for the two months.

He said the numbers highlight the impressive growth trajectory of the country’s tourism sector.

“I am particularly proud of the level of growth we have had post-COVID. Normally 2019 was used as our benchmark for growth, but 2023 is now that new benchmark as we broke two important barriers — welcoming four million visitors and earning US$4.2 billion,” said Bartlett as he underscored that the performance so far this year is unprecedented in the country’s tourism history.

Jamaica recorded 611,642 stopover arrivals in January and February — which represents a 7.4 per cent increase — and 389,319 cruise visitors, a 29.7 per cent increase.

Total arrivals reflect 1,000,961, an increase of 15.1 per cent, while earnings reflected an 8.5 per cent increase.

“We continue to work with our tourism partners across the globe to ensure that our tourism offerings remain top of the line. Jamaica provides unique and authentic experiences that keep visitors keep coming back,” said Director of Tourism Donovan White.

Jamaica will also host the 42nd staging of the most prestigious travel show in the region, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, from May 20-22 at Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

The event is expected to attract 150 buyer companies and approximately 1,000 delegates.