According to Jamaican Tourist Board, Jamaica's tourism industry will observe a growth of 50 percent by the year-end 2010.
Dennis Morrison, Jamaican Tourist Board's Chairman, has predicted that Jamaica's tourism industry will observe a growth of 50 percent by the year-end 2010. A record three million visitors last year had led to the Tourism Ministry's expectations of further growth this year according to Radiojamaica news.
In Jamaica, tourism is the biggest foreign exchange earner as well as among the fastest growing industries. The booming industry has a ranking among the five most favorite tourist destinations globally. An estimated 1.8 million Jamaicans are currently living abroad and sooner or later, retirement will bring them back. This group makes Jamaica's potential retired tourists over a 30-year period.
Thanks to airport expansions, increased airlift, new room-stock, a newly launched convention center and co-operation by private sector, the visitor outlook of JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) for the near future has brightened considerably.
Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport currently under expansion facilitates the new airlift with the recent completion of a new terminal building. Completed refurbishment in 2007 will raise capacity from three million to nine million passengers annually. A makeover is also underway in Kingston airport and road network under construction for the purpose of improving infrastructure.
The Cricket World Cup in 2007 is also expected to boost Jamaican tourism with both the opening ceremony and semi-final scheduled on the island.
Easier accessibility from both the UK and the US is another major incentive for travelers to Jamaica. Air Jamaica along with all the leading US carriers link Jamaica with the US. A recent announcement introduced new Jamaica routes by Spirit, the low cost carrier as well.
Another significant development was the launch of www.uniquejamaica.com that woos the soft adventure travel segment. With packages and tours, Jamaica promises an experience off the beaten track for travelers in this market.
A research analyst with RNCOS is of the view that there has been an increasing dependence on tourism for Jamaica's economy. The tourism industry offers tremendous potential for growth due to the resultant increase in foreign exchange earnings and greater opportunities in employment. Tourism will lure visitors to Jamaica with the promise of its natural beauty and intriguing culture.
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