Friday, November 15, 2024 Jamaica continues to shine as a premier Caribbean travel destination, generating an impressive $197.8 million USD from cruise tourism during the 2023/2024 season. A recent study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), in partnership with Jamaica Vacations Limited, highlights how passenger and crew visits, coupled with expenditures on port services, taxes, and local goods, have propelled the island’s cruise tourism success.
The study revealed that 1,426,485 cruise passengers arrived in Jamaica during the cruise year, with an estimated 1,158,240 disembarking to explore the island. Passenger spending totaled approximately $136.7 million USD, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Visitors invested in accommodations, dining, souvenirs, and excursions, underscoring the island’s appeal. “We have seen tremendous growth in our cruise tourism sector,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett , Minister of Tourism, Jamaica.
“In 2023, we welcomed 1.26 million cruise passenger arrivals which was 48.3% above 2022 figures.
To keep up with demand, we work diligently to ensure our ports and services remain updated so cruise lines, crew members and passengers have an outstanding experience from arrival to departure – including the enjoyment of our famous beaches, historical sites and adventure experiences in between.” A significant portion of onshore spending—71%—was directed toward excursions, luxury items like watches and jewelry. Furthermo.