Jamaica’s tourism increases due to strong recovery in cruise industry

As the last of the post-pandemic travel restrictions are easing up, countries are seeing a boost in tourism leading to economic growth.

The cruise industry in Jamaica has continued to see an uprise leading to a substantial economic boost. According to the Caribbean Journal, Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett stated, “Jamaica’s cruise sector is recovering strongly with continued increases in cruise passenger arrivals.” Jamaica witnessed cruise passenger arrivals of about 855,000 in 2022. With the consistent increase in travelers, Bartlett expects the country to see “1.4 million cruise passengers to arrive during the current fiscal year.”

“While the numbers are not yet back up to our standards, we have been getting our fair share of the market,” Bartlett said. “Last December we welcomed the largest cruise ship in the World [the Wonder of the Seas] and Royal Caribbean has committed to sending us more of their Oasis class vessels.”

Bartlett confirmed that Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has Jamaica listed as a first-call destination among major cruise lines. The cruise line committed to increasing its patronage of Jamaica within 2023. The outlet also stated the company plans to expand its training collaboration with the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU). The cruise line and the university reached a partnership during the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Conference in Santo Domingo.

Jamaica Vacations Limited (JamVac) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) have been working to drive the country’s cruise tourism recovery efforts, and there is a massive surge in interest in homeporting. Mayberry Investments reported there have been considerations of opening a second vessel homeport in Port Royal and Germany’s Aida Cruises is continuing to do so in Montego Bay. Minister Bartlett attributed the remarkable resurgence of the global cruise industry to “pent-up demand” and expects the trend to continue until 2023.

Bartlett discussed the expansion in homeporting opportunities with the Caribbean Journal, stating that the country has “seen a rise from 25 percent to 40 percent in pre/post cruise extension visits.”

“The growth of cruise tourism in Jamaica presents a significant opportunity to drive the resurgence of the tourism industry, create employment opportunities, and contribute to our country’s economic growth,” Bartlett continued. “We remain committed to providing world-class experiences to all our visitors and ensuring that Jamaica remains a top tourist destination.”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 5:11 PM.