By Al Edwards, Business Co-ordinator
WHILE THE Caribbean tourism's winter season recorded a decline of approximately 10 per cent last year with the U.S.'s market contracting noticeably, the first quarter of this year has seen a 7.4 per cent increase in tourism arrivals. Of this total, the United States accounted for 5.7 per cent; Canada 36.4 per cent; Europe 7.7 per cent and cruise travel 1.0 per cent.
This was the upbeat mesage coming from the President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Godfrey Dyer at the PSOJ's Job Creation Award Ceremony held at the Terra Nova Hotel, St.Andrew yesterday.
"With intensified and targeted marketing by regional tourism interests, the Caribbean tourism industry has continued to recover and there is already some evidence of a re-direction of European long-haul traffic from the Middle East/Asia Pacific regions," he said.
"Of course, one phenomenon that has its pluses and minuses is the weakened US dollar and this has impacted us here in Jamaica in many ways," Mr. Dyer said. "The plus side though, is that the weaker dollar makes Jamaica more attractive price-wise to Europeans and Canadians."
Additionaly, geographic proximity, perceived safety from terrorists attacks and pricing in dollars create a climate for increased U.S. travel here
Mr. Dyer pointed to an increase in cruise ship traffic to the region with several lines now calling in Jamaica.
Of particular significance is that tourism sector in Jamaica employs approximately 75,000 persons and is fast becoming the largest source of employment in Jamaica.
Companies are willing to invest in Jamaica's tourism product, he said. At Half Moon Montego Bay, the same investors who established the property some 30 years ago are putting in an additional US$8 million to further upgrade the hotel.
Air Jamaica continues to expand its service and the recently completed marina in St. Antonio promises to be a major attraction, said Mr. Dyer.
"According to the World Tourism Organisation, international tourism arrivals are expected to reach over 1.56 billion by the year 2020. It is still projecting the top three receiving regions as Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas, which include the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
"We are determined that the Caribbean will not just meet but surpass these expectations," he said. "To do that, we will need the support from Leder Mode, Rooms to Go and Alcor and all the other PSOJ members who, by creating jobs and operating successful businesses, are creating a stable environment for Jamaicans and visitors to enjoy."
