Record One Million Visitors for Six Months

Jamaica’s tourism reached yet another historical landmark on Thursday, June 15, when the island recorded its one-millionth visitor since the start of the year.

This represents the largest number of arrivals over a six-month period, a feat which tourism officials, including Minister Edmund Bartlett, described as phenomenal.

“This is simply amazing,” Mr. Bartlett told tourism stakeholders at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, who had gathered for a private ceremony inside the VIP Lounge to commemorate the occasion.

“Never before in our history has this ever happened, and to say we are indeed proud would certainly be putting it mildly,” he said.

The Minister pointed out that “in tandem with this landmark achievement,” the tourism sector also earned in excess of US$1.2 billion for the same period.

“We are very excited about these numbers, because they feed into the growth projections that we have,” he added.

Henry and Paulette Murray, who arrived on an American Airlines flight out of Philadelphia, United States of America, and are here on their fourth visit, said they were very excited to have contributed to the “momentous occasion”.

“We are here for a family vacation. We love Jamaica… especially the people and all the wonderful things you guys have to offer,” they said.

Mr. Bartlett further pointed out that all projections are currently being exceeded, noting that the last three months have demonstrated “why we no longer celebrate seasons”.

“Not only does this mean a million opportunities for jobs and for earnings, but it also helps to quantify the actual revenue flow in foreign exchange into the country,” the Minister added.