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One of the Caribbean's most popular tourist destinations is on track to see continued industry growth, with new developments and government initiatives.
Jamaica has long been one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Caribbean. White sand and turquoise waters coupled with numerous well-known cultural exports have kept the island nation on the map for tourists for decades. New partnerships and initiatives taken by the government ensure not only that the country will remain a popular destination for decades to come, but also that the industry will remain a significant foundation of the economy.
Tourism has long played a significant role in the economy of Jamaica, dwarfing nearly all other local industries such as agriculture, mining, and financial services. According to research firm World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total contribution of tourism to GDP is set to grow an impressive 4.9% in 2017 compared to the previous year, increasing to JMD555.1 billion, or approximately 31.1% of GDP, from JMD529.2 billion. WTTC predicts that in 10 years the industry will come to account for a massive 43.9% of GDP, or some JMD905.5 billion, following a 5% per annum rise.
Expectedly, with such a significant portion of GDP attributed to tourism, the sector also accounts for a high percentage of employment. WTTC reports that, in 2016, the total contribution of tourism to employment equated to approximately 318,000 jobs, or nearly 28% of total employment. A 4.3% increase is expected for 2017, bringing the number of jobs to 332,000 and share of employment to 32.2%. Like the sector's contribution to GDP, its effect on employment is expected to grow to gargantuan proportions by 2027. WTTC estimates that by then the tourism industry will account for a total of 40% of employment in the country, following a 4.4% annual increase and accounting for just over half a million jobs.
The country has welcomed a steady increase in tourist arrivals for decades. According to the World Bank, some 2.2 million tourists came to Jamaica in 2016, up from 2.12 in 2015. The country's prime minister, Andrew Holness, recently announced plans to increase annual tourist arrivals to 5 million by 2020. This plan will require the country to produce at least 15,000 new hotel rooms.
Most of the country's tourism is located on the country's northern coast, which includes Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Montego Bay. Many of the island's hotspots for tourists are, unsurprisingly, located on the water, either on the beach or inland along rivers.
Ocho Rios is a former fishing village that now welcomes millions of tourists every year. Tourists flock to Ocho Rios not just for the beach, but for the region's culture and food. Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios is a popular destination away from the beach, featuring a 55m terraced waterfall with several small lagoons visitors can climb.
Negril is located on the island's western tip and is known for its warm waters and bright white sand. It is sometimes considered the country's party city. In recent years, Negril, which has on several occasions made it on a top 10 beach list, has seen a rise in luxury residential developments, geared toward not only foreign visitors but wealthy Jamaicans as well.
Montego Bay, a destination oft referenced in popular culture, is located on the western edge of country's northern coast and is perhaps the destination in the country with the most to offer. Its location in the north means it is lined with the white sand beaches the country is famous for, but travel inland and a score of other destinations can be found. Montego Bay is the location of Rose Hall, a recently refurbished plantation house open for tours and said to be haunted.
Like nearly all other tropical developing nations with developed tourism infrastructure, the country's ecotourism sector is budding as well. There are several eco lodges located throughout the country, and in many areas visitors are welcomed to camp using their own equipment. A popular destination for ecotourism is the country's famous Blue Mountains. Here, the Jamaican Forestry Department offers numerous campgrounds tourists can stay at with a permit. Visitors can enjoy not only the magnificent views and seclusion, but also visit and volunteer at a plantation that produces the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
FIT FOR A KINGSTON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica
TBY talks to the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on efforts to foster sustainable and inclusive growth, the main challenges ahead for the nation, and its key successes in improving the business environment.
read articleInterview
Diane Edwards, President, Trade & Investment Jamaica (JAMPRO)
TBY talks to Diane Edwards, President of Trade & Investment Jamaica (JAMPRO), on making investments throughout the whole value chain, becoming a regional distribution hub, and boosting niche agricultural output.
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Courtney O. Campbell, President & CEO, Victoria Mutual
TBY talks to Courtney O. Campbell, President & CEO of Victoria Mutual, on the origins of financial inclusion in Jamaica, helping people get a start on their property journey, and assisting young businesses to exploit a positive business environment.
read articleInterview
Raymond Walker, Founder, Chairman & CEO , Caribbean Assurance Brokers Ltd. (CAB)
TBY talks to Raymond Walker, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Caribbean Assurance Brokers Ltd. (CAB), on fighting for its clients, using environmentally sound methods to drive down costs, and continuously driving innovation.
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Emanuel DaRosa,, President & CEO, Jamaica Public Services (JPS)
TBY talks to Emanuel DaRosa, President & CEO of Jamaica Public Services (JPS), on pursuing common goals in the best possible way, utilizing Jamaica's most abundant natural resources, and satisfying half of Jamaica's energy needs through renewables.
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Winston Watson, Group General Manager, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ)
TBY talks to Winston Watson, Group General Manager of Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), on keeping a hand in both green and black energy, helping the government reach its 2030 Energy Vision targets, and educating people on the importance of conservation.
read articleFocus: LNG Investments
Light My Fire Jamaica
The Jamaican government is pushing private investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) to provide cheaper and cleaner energy to households and businesses. Through partnerships with local and international companies, New Fortress Energy is leading the way to ignite this sector.
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Gordon Shirley, President & CEO, Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ)
TBY talks to Gordon Shirley, President & CEO of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), on the country's developing role as a logistics hub, attracting more cruise ships, and his outlook for the economy at large.
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Fritz Pinnock, President, Caribbean Maritime University
TBY talks to Fritz Pinnock, President of Caribbean Maritime University, on capitalizing on the rising power of the global south, customizing goods before they reach the final consumer, and leveraging Jamaica's geostrategic location to create added value.
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Winston Adams, JP, Executive Chairman, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)
TBY talks to Winston Adams, JP, Executive Chairman of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), on the university's illustrious history, its upcoming strategies, and Caribbean Knowledge City.
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Michael Williams, Acting Executive Director , Mona School of Business and Management
TBY talks to Michael Williams, Acting Executive Director of Mona School of Business and Management, on maintaining quality across its programs, its achievements in the Caribbean, and the school's research-based approach.
read articleFocus: Downtown Kingston Revitalization
Drinking from the Fountain of Youth
Although the subject of much talk, downtown Kingston has been relatively neglected for many years while surrounding areas of the city attracted more real estate developments. A series of public and private investments indicate that the trend is finally reversing.
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Timothée F. Delebarre, Country Manager, VINCI Construction Grands Projets (VCGP)
TBY talks to Timothée F. Delebarre, Country Manager of VINCI Construction Grands Projets (VCGP), on diversifying their business lines, expanding Kingston's Port, and developing innovative financing mechanisms.
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Dittie Guise, General Manager, Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC)
TBY talks to the late Dittie Guise, General Manager of Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC), on marketing the convention center, creating an integrated tourist experience, and preparing for more events and visitors.
read articleFocus: Linking Tourism
Lifting All Boats in the Rising Tide
Although significantly contributing to the economy, tourism in Jamaica suffers from an inadequate level of linkage with other sectors. The government, in partnership with private actors, is launching a number of initiatives to ensure that international tourists meet local businesses.
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Natalie St. Louis, Founder, CEO & Managing Director, Strategic Konnections & Management Services Limited
TBY talks to Natalie St. Louis, Founder, CEO & Managing Director of Strategic Konnections & Management Services Limited, on working with businesses to further their goals, the importance of engaging with consultants, and goals for the coming year.
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