KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Things have returned to normal in Jamaica following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, with 55,000 visitors arriving on the island since the reopening of ports.
According to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, the destination did not receive any tourists on July 2 and July 3 due to the hurricane, but started welcoming visitors again on the Fourth of July. In just seven days, from July 4-10, Jamaica brought in a total of 55,000 visitors.
“This is what resilience looks like. We can assure the world that 80% of our assets are intact and we are ready to welcome you. Our visitors returned because they had confidence in our promises, knowing the integrity behind them,” said Minister Bartlett at the opening of the 10th staging of the Christmas in July trade show, held at the National Arena on July 11-12, 2024.
The Minister went on to highlight Jamaica’s role as a global leader in tourism resilience: “Seven years ago, we initiated discussions on resilience here in Jamaica. Six years ago, I established the first Global Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at the University of the West Indies. Since then, we’ve established six more centers in different countries worldwide. Next week, I’ll be heading to Brazil to establish another, with more to follow.”
He also used the opportunity to commend the Tourism Enhancement Fund, lead organizers of the Christmas in July initiative, for the significant economic impact of the event. “Christmas in July provides a marketplace for showcasing products, bringing together buyers and sellers. Today, over 205 exhibitors are present,” said the Minister.
Christmas in July, where corporate Jamaica, the tourism industry, gift shops, pharmacies and the diplomatic community come together, has seen substantial growth, from 110 successful applicants in 2018 to 180 last year. “In 2018, we saw earnings of over $50 million from this event. In 2019, despite challenges, we still achieved over $30 million. Even in 2020, amidst a global pandemic, our resilient artisans managed to generate $4.83 million in just one month after the trade show. Last year, from the 20% of participants who responded to our post-event survey, we recorded $20.3 million in earnings,” noted Minister Bartlett.
