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State of Public Emergency Not Affecting Visitor Arrivals

By: , January 25, 2018

The Key Point:

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the current State of Public Emergency in St. James is not affecting visitor arrivals to the country.

The Facts

  • “We are out there (engaging in robust marketing), and we are making the point that Jamaica is being made safer,” he said, adding that booking cancellations are not yet a concern.
  • He pointed out that while there have been some “jitteriness and skittishness” in the market, the country’s tourism partners understand that there is a need to achieve the objective of providing “safe, secure and seamless arrangements” for visitors to the island, which the State of Public Emergency will help to accomplish.

The Full Story

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the current State of Public Emergency in St. James is not affecting visitor arrivals to the country.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s quarterly press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (January 24), the Minister said he and his team are continuing to aggressively market the country as an ideal destination, despite the ongoing security operations.

“We are out there (engaging in robust marketing), and we are making the point that Jamaica is being made safer,” he said, adding that booking cancellations are not yet a concern.

He pointed out that while there have been some “jitteriness and skittishness” in the market, the country’s tourism partners understand that there is a need to achieve the objective of providing “safe, secure and seamless arrangements” for visitors to the island, which the State of Public Emergency will help to accomplish.

The Minister further informed that a comprehensive programme has been developed with the Ministry’s public relations team and partners from the three major markets – the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

“Starting this weekend, I will be proceeding to cover those markets to meet with all our partners, and to ensure that the future bookings (are secured),” he said.

He pointed out that while arrivals for the winter season remain strong, the major concern at this time is forward bookings. The aim is, therefore, to shore up bookings for the summer and the fall, “because we are pushing to inch into the five million arrivals this year”.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, declared a State of Public Emergency in St. James on Thursday (January 18). It is expected to last for 14 days or longer, but not exceed three months.

Last Updated: January 25, 2018

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