How Big Is the Tourism Industry in Jamaica?

By Robert Palmer

Jamaica is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and friendly people. It’s no surprise that tourism is a major industry in the country.

In fact, it is one of the largest sources of foreign exchange for Jamaica. Let’s explore just how big the tourism industry really is.

The Numbers

According to the Jamaica Tourist Board, in 2019, the country welcomed over 4.3 million visitors. This was an increase from the previous year, which saw just over 4. These visitors came from all around the world, with the majority coming from the United States and Canada.

Revenue

Tourism plays a significant role in Jamaica’s economy. In 2019, tourism generated approximately US$3.7 billion in revenue for the country. This accounted for approximately 10% of Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Employment

The tourism industry also provides jobs for many Jamaicans. In fact, it is estimated that approximately one in every four jobs in Jamaica is related to tourism.

The Future

The future looks bright for Jamaica’s tourism industry. The country has set a goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2021. To achieve this goal, there are plans to expand and upgrade several airports across the island as well as increase hotel room capacity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tourism industry is a vital part of Jamaica’s economy and has a significant impact on employment and revenue generation for the country. With plans for growth and development underway, it will be interesting to see how this industry evolves in years to come.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • The tourism industry is one of the largest sources of foreign exchange for Jamaica.
  • Tourism generated approximately US$3.7 billion in revenue for the country in 2019.
  • Approximately one in every four jobs in Jamaica is related to tourism.
  • Jamaica has set a goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2021.

References:

  1. Jamaica Tourist Board. (2019). Arrivals Summary 2019. Retrieved from https://www.visitjamaica.com/content/dam/jtb/documents/statistics/Arrivals%20Summary%202019.pdf
  2. Jamaica Tourist Board.

    Economic Impact of Tourism in Jamaica.com/content/dam/jtb/documents/statistics/Economic%20Impact%20of%20Tourism%20in%20Jamaica.pdf

  3. The World Bank. (n.d.). Jamaica Overview.worldbank.org/en/country/jamaica/overview#1