KINGSTON, Jamaica —Government Senator Delano Seiveright is touting the Airbnb revolution as “perhaps the most exciting transformation that’s happening in our towns and communities”.

Seiveright made the remark on Friday while making his contribution to the debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill in the Senate.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism shared that in 2017, Jamaica welcomed 59,500 Airbnb guests.

“Last year, that number skyrocketed to over 800,000—bringing in over J$32 billion in earnings to owners,” he said.

“This is the democratisation of tourism. From Trench Town to Treasure Beach, from Portland to Negril, everyday Jamaicans are opening their doors, their culture, and their talents to the world—and earning income. This is community tourism in action,” he added.

Seiveright also stated that the Andrew Holness-led Administration was investing in the creative potential of Jamaicans.

“We cannot speak of sustainable tourism without speaking of the people who make it happen—the workers, creatives, and innovators,” he remarked. He pointed to the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme, a global first, which currently has over 10,000 contributors and J$4 billion under investment.

Said Seiveright, “In 2024, we launched the Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan, ensuring that our cultural icons are protected. And just yesterday (March 27), we launched the Tourism Entertainment Academy under TEF (Tourism Enhancement Fund) —providing training, mentorship, and industry linkages to performers, creatives, and cultural entrepreneurs”.

“This is not talk. These are concrete budget-backed actions that give Jamaicans tools to build a future in the world’s most dynamic industry,” said Seiveright.

He also urged Jamaicans to celebrate their achievements.

“Far too often in this country, we allow negativity and bad mind to cloud our collective vision. We downplay achievements, distort the truth, and dismiss progress. Let us rise above that. Let us celebrate the massive reduction in murders and serious crimes, the resurgence of hope in our communities, and the clear economic gains being delivered across sectors,” he urged.

And, in defence of the $1.26 trillion budget which was approved in the House of Representatives on March 25, Seiveright declared that “our economic fundamentals are strong”.

“Despite the trials of 2024—including Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Raphael—Jamaica’s economy stands resilient. Through prudent, strategic, and consistent fiscal management, we are now firmly back on a growth path,” he said.

The government senator pointed to:

-Real GDP growth which is projected at 2.2 per cent.

-Net International Reserves exceeding US$5.5 billion, “our strongest financial buffer in years”.

-Unemployment standing at a record low of 3.5 per cent, with notable gains in both male and female employment.

-Debt-to-GDP has fallen to 68.7 per cent, and on track to reach 63.7 per cent next year—“a monumental shift from the 135% peak in 2013”.

-Inflation remaining within target, with food prices beginning to stabilise.

Seiveright also noted that international ratings agency Fitch, has reaffirmed Jamaica’s BB- credit rating with a positive outlook, “recognising our strong governance and sound fiscal trajectory. This gives investors real confidence—confidence to build, expand, and invest in Jamaica”.