Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Jamaica’s tourism has continued to see a strong rebound, since the reopening of the country’s borders in June 2020.

According to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, this rebound has been evidenced by the US$1.7 billion earned by the sector since the reopening and the arrival of some 1,285,368 visitors.

In a statement to the House of Representatives on Wednesday (October 14), Bartlett told members that the sector’s forecast for 2021 is a total of 1,578,743 visitors and more than US$2 billion in earnings.

Referencing the return of cruise operators on August 16, following a 16-month hiatus, the minister noted that it signalled the second critical phase of the reopening of the tourism industry and would aid in bringing back much-needed jobs.

“Cruise is an integral part of our tourism product and an important driver in terms of visitor arrivals and expenditure,” said Bartlett. “Thousands of Jamaicans depend on the cruise shipping industry.”

Relaying the scheduled arrival of some 16 calls by Carnival Sunrise over the next three months, the return of MSC Meraviglia, as well as Royal Caribbean, Disney and other cruise lines preparing to resume sailing to the Caribbean Sea, the minister expressed that cruise should be fully on track by December.

He explained that the projection is for just under 300,000 cruise passengers to visit Jamaica by the end of the year.

He reiterated that the return of cruise is being managed in accordance with strict health and safety COVID-19 protocols, which are guided by global standards and best practices to ensure the safety and protection of citizens as well as visitors.