Tourism sector weathers disruptions to achieve record-breaking winter airline seats

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica earned US$4.3 billion from the tourism industry last year, with an estimated 4.3 million tourist arrivals.

Speaking on the JIS Television Programme 'Get the Facts,' Minister Bartlett said the sector finished the year strong, despite the slight shortfall in arrival figures due to aviation disruptions, Hurricane Beryl, and geopolitical issues such as travel advisories.

Mr Bartlett said there were 68,000 fewer seats into Jamaica, which meant there was a natural reduction in the projected figures in terms of arrivals.

He says Jamaica is on track to realise its 5x5x5 growth strategy of five million visitors and earnings of five billion US dollars by 2025.

Mr Bartlett noted that 1.6 million airline seats have been secured so far for the winter season, which, he said, "is the largest amount ever."