Jamaica’s tourism industry had a record-breaking year, particularly in cruise ship arrivals, according to Michael Muirhead, executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo).
He said figures showed a 39.9% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2003 over the previous year.
“This was the first time in history that Jamaica exceeded the one-million mark in visitor arrivals for a one-year period,” he said.
And the record pace continues.
“Already, 2004 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year, with visitors spending reportedly said to be up by two percent,” he added.
He said the tourist infrastructure of the country has been rapidly expanding. There are 13 new hotels coming on line that will add 5,000 more rooms.
Mr Muirhead attributed the increased activity to a strategic plan, and intensified marketing and promotional efforts by the restructured Jamaica Tourist Board.
He said one goal was to raise standards of small hotels, and B&Bs, as well as increase the number of five-star quality hotels.
Report by David Wilkening
