Latest news with #JamaicaTouristBoard
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
U.S. Has Active Travel Advisory for Jamaica
As summer fast approaches, many Americans have already begun planning their trips and out-of-the-country vacations for the next few months. But as you plan your travel, the United States has an active travel warning for one of the more popular vacation spots in the Caribbean. Jamaica is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, with the country welcoming 4.3 million visitors in 2024, which generated $4.3 billion for the country's economy, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board. However, the United States Department of State is warning Americans to think again before visiting the Caribbean vacation destination. The United States has an active Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, warning Americans to "Reconsider Travel" to Jamaica as a result of crime and health concerns. The travel advisory warned that violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. While the tourist destinations typically experience less of this crime, U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crimes even while on resorts, and law enforcement is often slow and/or inadequate. "The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common," the travel advisory states. "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence." In addition to concerns about violent crime, the State Department also warns that Jamaica's health care may not be adequate in the case of a medical emergency, either. "U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States," the advisory states. "This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain." Needless to say, if your travel plans include Jamaica this summer, it would be wise to reconsider or at least take special care.
Forbes
10-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Beyond The Parade: The Millennial Entrepreneurs Powering Jamaica's Carnival Economy
Jamaica Board Of Tourism Carnival season in the Caribbean is much more than a celebration of music, culture, and community—it's an economic powerhouse. The recent Carnival in Jamaica 2025 has shattered previous records, with the island recording its highest-ever visitor arrivals for the annual celebration. According to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), preliminary data indicates that between April 22 and April 27, 8,571 visitors arrived in the country, marking a 15.5% increase over the same period in 2024. Total passenger arrivals surged to 16,958, representing a 20% year-over-year increase. These record-breaking numbers translate directly into economic opportunities for the region, especially for millennial entrepreneurs carving out a niche in costume design, event production, and hospitality services. As Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett told me, "Carnival has proven itself as a powerful economic driver, showcasing Jamaica beyond our beaches and reinforcing our vision to position the island as the Caribbean's premier destination for world-class cultural experiences." Costume designers like Lila Nikole are redefining what it means to build a business in the Caribbean during Carnival season. Nikole, who first entered the carnival space in 2018, has since created a multi-faceted business model that includes costume design, manufacturing, and event production for major bands across Trinidad, Jamaica, and Miami. "It went from nobody knowing who I was to suddenly being everywhere," she shares. "Carnival is this beautiful, vibrant experience, but it's also a business—a very lucrative one." Nikole's success is indicative of a broader trend: young Caribbean entrepreneurs are using Carnival as a launchpad for sustainable businesses. 'The entrepreneurial spirit of the young is being given exposure and opportunity for expression through initiatives like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, which supports innovation and startup development,' Minister Bartlett says. He also emphasized the critical role of the Tourism Innovation Incubator, which provides funding and resources for new business ventures tied to cultural tourism. The impact of Carnival in Jamaica extends far beyond the parade route. Preliminary projections suggest that Carnival in Jamaica 2025 will significantly surpass the J$4.42 billion (US $27.8 million) in direct economic impact recorded in 2024. The total economic contribution, including the multiplier effect, is expected to exceed J$95.4 billion (US $600 million). Minister Bartlett attributes this growth not only to increased tourism but also to the involvement of local entrepreneurs across various sectors—from costume makers to hospitality providers. Kamal Bankay, Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund's Sports and Entertainment Network, highlighted that all three major bands saw growth, with approximately 11,000 revelers participating—matching projections of 10% growth over 2024. "This was our biggest year yet. Tourist participation was notably higher, with many first-time visitors flying in from across the globe to join the festivities," Bankay noted. This surge in tourism also opens doors for young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. "One feather can cost $8 to $40, and a single costume can require hundreds," said Nikole. "People don't always understand the cost of goods and labor that goes into it, but the demand is there, and it's growing every year." She also points out that attendees begin paying for thie costumes nearly a year in advance through direct payment installments with vendors like her, or even by taking out micro-loans with banks. Jamaica's approach to integrating its cultural celebrations with entrepreneurial opportunities serves as a model for other Caribbean nations. Minister Bartlett emphasized the importance of building human capital, particularly among young people, to sustain this economic growth. "The essence of the Caribbean is in its people. It's all about our human capital and how we enable that to be converted into wealth," he says. As Carnival continues to evolve, its impact is expected to ripple across the Caribbean, providing not only unforgettable cultural experiences but also economic lifelines for local communities. With young entrepreneurs leading the charge, the future of Carnival in the Caribbean is poised for growth that is both vibrant and transformative. The evolution of Carnival in Jamaica showcases the transformative power of cultural tourism. Millennial entrepreneurs like Lila Nikole are not just participants—they are economic drivers, injecting vitality and innovation into the space. With government backing and strategic support from tourism-focused initiatives, the blueprint is clear: cultural celebration can be a formidable economic engine. As the Caribbean continues to innovate and grow, Carnival stands as a shining example of how tradition and entrepreneurship can dance in unison, driving prosperity across the diaspora.
Tourism Breaking News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Jamaica reinforces GCC commitment at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 with top tier partners and tailored offerings
Post Views: 123 The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will be participating in the upcoming Arabian Travel Market 2025 from April 28 to May 01 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Its continued presence in the region's premier travel and trade event demonstrates the recognition of GCCs role in Jamaica's international tourism growth strategy. In a collaborative push to promote the island, Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett will be joined by Director of Tourism Donovan White, together with Jamaica's top suppliers in the hospitality and leisure sectors at the JTB stand, ready to network with travel and media professionals from across the GCC. Diversifying tourism markets and promoting sustainable growth is a key component of Jamaica's Vision 2023 development plan. Reaching out to new regions aims to enhance its global tourism footprint and economic resilience. Recognizing the GCC as having one of the most well-travelled globetrotters, fueled by its spending power and interest in unique destinations, keeps JTBs committed to its goal of positioning the country as a major consideration for travel amongst the nationals and residents of the GCC countries. 'Our ongoing participation in ATM reflects our dedication to fostering relationships within the GCC market,' stated Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 'We are confident that Jamaica's unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture will captivate travelers from this region.' In driving the achievement of this strategy, JTB has appointed Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East (BTM) as its official trade representative office for the GCC region in 2024. This regional partnership leverages the strength of BTM in the travel and trade industry educating them about Jamaica's diverse offerings – from pristine beaches to cultural experiences – and how it fully aligns with the preferences of GCC travelers who are seeking both luxury and adventure. 'We are dedicated to showcasing Jamaica's diverse attractions to the Middle Eastern market,' said Donovan White, Director of Tourism. 'Our partnerships in the region are instrumental in facilitating growth and ensuring that travelers from the GCC have memorable experiences in Jamaica.' Travelers from the GCC can access Jamaica through various connections via major international hubs such as London, Miami, New York, and Toronto with numerous connectivity options from major carriers in GCC. JTB invites all attendees of the Arabian Travel Market 2025 to visit its pavilion to connect, explore potential collaborations, and discover one of the gems of the Caribbean.
