KINGSTON, Jamaica—State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright, says he expects Carnival to deliver another major boost to the local tourism sector and economy.

Seiveright, while speaking to Observer Online on Sunday, the day Carnival revellers took to the streets for road march, said thousands of visitors have flocked to the island for Carnival, boosting the numbers of visitors to hotels and Airbnbs.

“Carnival in Jamaica is now officially underway and it’s set to deliver another major boost for the tourism sector and the local economy. We’re expecting, well, we’re already seeing thousands of visitors from overseas and across the island flooding into Kingston. The hotels are full, the Airbnbs are full, other short-term rentals are full,” he said.

“They’re enjoying our local attractions, they’re supporting restaurants and small businesses and micro enterprises and of course, the benefits spread, of course, into persons in fashion and our hairdressers, our barbers and so on,” Seiveright continued.

He noted that Carnival in Jamaica continues to grow as a world-class event, strengthening Jamaica’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination, bringing tangible economic benefits to communities and businesses right across the island