Tourism Minister Anticipates 3% Growth
By: , May 2, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Marlon Tingling
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right), having a light discussion with President and Chief Operating Officer, Air Canada Vacations, Eamonn Ferrin (left), during a tour of the exhibition hall at the 2016 Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) tourism trade show, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, on April 30. Tourism Director, Paul Pennycook (2nd left) and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Nicola Madden Greig, share the moment.The Facts
- The Minister told JIS News that the season, which ran from December 15, 2015 to April 15, 2016, could have been impacted by the February 25 general elections as well as the presence of the Zika virus on the island.
- Looking ahead to the upcoming summer season, Mr. Bartlett pointed out that forecasts for arrivals are very good, although the fall months are sometimes unpredictable.
The Full Story
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is anticipating a 3 per cent increase in arrivals, when figures for the just concluded 2015/16 Winter Tourist season are compiled.
The Minister told JIS News that the season, which ran from December 15, 2015 to April 15, 2016, could have been impacted by the February 25 general elections as well as the presence of the Zika virus on the island.
“The final figures are being tabulated at this time. There is growth, but not the robust growth that was anticipated. I understand that one of the reasons is when you go into an election in the middle of the winter season, it does have some effect and then there are other health security issues. I think we will end the season close to 3 per cent growth over last year and that is reasonable,” the Minister said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer season, Mr. Bartlett pointed out that forecasts for arrivals are very good, although the fall months are sometimes unpredictable.
He said that under the proposed five-point growth strategy for tourism, the aim is to combat the perceived seasonality of tourism.
“Several initiatives that I have spoken about will tackle tourism seasonality, so that we should end up having a more even flow of visitors throughout the year, and it will make it easier for us to predict with greater accuracy, what the figures will be,” the Minister said.