Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality industries, with record growth levels in hotel investments and international visitor arrivals, have contributed heavily to the economy’s 12.9 per cent growth during the April to June quarter of 2021.
According to the data released by the PIOJ, the Hotels and Restaurants industry recorded the highest level of growth in the services industry category, with an increase of 330.7 per cent. Overall, the services industry increased by some 14 per cent over the period because of the significant increases in visitor arrivals when compared to last year when the borders were closed.
The PIOJ data show that for April – May 2021 total stop-over arrivals totalled 205,224 visitors relative to none during the same period of 2020. Provisional data indicated that airport arrivals also increased by approximately 304.8 per cent to 169,782 visitors relative to July 2020.
“The hospitality industry was amongst the hardest hit in the onset of the pandemic. In fact, it came to a complete halt which significantly impacted our economy. I am therefore very proud of the progress we have made to rebound, and the impact we have had on our economy, and by extension the people of Jamaica,” said Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett who was elated by the report.
“The increase of 330.7 per cent in the hotel sector is no small feat and is a result of the hard work that my ministry and our stakeholders have put in to create a safe environment for our workers in the industry as well as our visitors. The bubble that we have created within the Tourism Resilient Corridor, which has received worldwide recognition for its efficiency and innovation, is also to be credited. Jamaica is indeed open for business, and continues to grow as an industry which is not only lucrative but is also safe, seamless and secure,” he added.
The minister also projects continued growth with the next quarter, as the re-opening of the cruise industry is projected to have a major impact on the economy.
“We are making excellent strides in laying the foundation for the full recovery of Jamaica’s tourism sector, safely and responsibly. It is not going to be an easy road as we navigate an unpredictable future but, in the long run, we will have a safer, more secure and resilient tourism sector for our workers, visitors and travel partners,” said Bartlett.