JHTA Anticipates Increased Tourist Arrivals Ahead of Summer Season

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, April 25, 2016 – The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) says that it anticipates increased tourist arrivals for the summer season. This will be achieved through targeted marketing efforts coming out of the upcoming Jamaica Product Exchange which attracts hundreds of buyers and sellers from the industry across Jamaica and the ‘Staycation’ campaign recently launched by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The annual event attracts hundreds of buyers and sellers from the industry across Jamaica
“International tourism reached new heights in 2015. The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world and for us here in Jamaica. It is thus critical for us to promote programmes that foster the continued growth of tourism, including travel facilitation, human resources development and sustainability” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the JHTA.
According to a press release issued in January 2016 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 2015 marked the 6th consecutive year of above-average growth, with international arrivals increasing by 4% or more every year since 2010. The release stated that demand was strong overall, with mixed results due to unusually strong exchange rate fluctuations, the drop in oil prices and other commodities which increased disposable income in some countries but weakened demand in others, as well as increased safety and security concerns.
 
Outlook for 2016
Results from the UNWTO Confidence Index remain largely positive for 2016, though at a slightly lower level as compared to the previous two years. Based on the current trend and this outlook, UNWTO projects international tourist arrivals to grow by 4% worldwide in 2016.
International tourist arrivals in the Americas (+5%) grew 9 million to reach 191 million, consolidating the strong results of 2014. The appreciation of the US dollar stimulated outbound travel from the United States, benefiting the Caribbean and Central America, both recording 7% growth.
Greig said “2015 tourism arrivals were partly influenced by exchange rates, oil prices and natural and manmade crises in many parts of the world. As we increase our marketing efforts, we anticipate that the 0.5 % growth achieved in 2015 (1,366,579 visitors) will increase. We will be working closely with the JTB in our collective capacities to promote safe, secure and seamless travel to the island.”