Jamaica's Bartlett Says Tourism Sector Nearing Full Recovery From COVID

According to Jamaica Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, the island's tourism sector has almost fully recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had threatened the very survival of the industry.

"The good news is that Jamaica has now recovered 90% from the COVID-19 pandemic in the tourism sector," Bartlett said during a meeting with members of a special delegation from the Republic of Namibia.

"Our recovery in terms of arrivals this year is likely to be well over 3 million, and we are also expecting our earnings will be just about $100 million, or so, below our best earnings in 2019 of $3.7 billion."

The Minister also highlighted that Jamaica's main source markets are also rebounding strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic. In giving a breakdown, Minister Bartlett noted that the United Kingdom (UK) is the only market where "we are pacing ahead of 2019" figures, noting that compared to pre-COVID numbers "we are 6% ahead in the UK market."

Bartlett added that "the U.S. has come back very strongly, and while Canada is lagging behind a little, progress is being made."

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