ST JAMES, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Reggae Sumfest has been pumping some US$20million into the local economy annually,  impacting a wide cross section of individuals.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 staging of Reggae Sumfest at the Iberostar Hotel, Thursday evening, Bartlett lauded the annual festival for also contributing to the increase in stopover arrivals.

“Since 2016, the festival has welcomed approximately 175,000 patrons with 35,000 estimated to be international visitors. This has helped to boost our arrivals, while reinforcing the strong link between tourism and entertainment,” Bartlett stated.

“But beyond the sheer pleasure they offer, music festivals wield immense power as engines of economic growth, particularly in the realm of tourism,” he added.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon also hailed the music festival for the significant contribution it is making to business operators.

“From the lively beauty salons to the bustling taxi stands, from the mouth-watering scent of jerk chicken wafting through the air, to the fully occupied rooms and sold-out season bands, Montego Bay buzzes with the festival’s offerings,” Vernon stated.

Reggae Sumfest is slated to run from July 14 to 20 in Montego Bay.