Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the recovery of Jamaica’s economy can be attributed to the Tourism sector.

In making this claim, the minister made reference to the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) latest report that stated Jamaica’s economy grew by 5.7 per cent during the April to June quarter 2022.

Bartlett believes “the figures from the PIOJ highlight the fact that the tourism industry is driving Jamaica’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery”.

He added that “the results are a clear indication of the resilience of the sector, which is rebounding steadily”.

According to the PIOJ’s report for the period of April to May 2022, tourist arrivals saw a 110 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2021.

TOURISTS SPENDING MORE MONEY ON THE ISLAND

Total visitor expenditure for April to May 2022 also increased by US$310.1 million over the corresponding period of 2021.

Real value added for hotels and restaurants also grew by 55 per cent according to the report.

This means tourists are spending more money on the island, contributing to the growth of our economy.

The Ministry of Tourism also quoted figures from the Jamaica Tourist Board that indicate the length of time tourists spend on the island is back to pre-COVID levels, an average of 7.9 nights.