JAMAICA: Jamaica Lures Japanese Tourists

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and tourism director Paul Pennicook will meet with several tourism stakeholders in Japan as part of efforts to re-engage the market and grow visitor traffic to Jamaica.

Bartlett left the island on Sunday May 29 and returns on Monday June 6, a release from the ministry reported Monday.

“Two decades ago Jamaica received upwards of 20,000 Japanese visitors per annum but has since declined to roughly 2,000 per annum, due in part to a long economic slowdown in Japan and other factors,” Bartlett said

“However, with the world’s fourth largest economy and a population of over 127 million, still humming along and over 17 million people travelling overseas every year, I believe we have an opportunity to re-engage Japan on a more sustained basis and increase visitor traffic to Jamaica,” he added.


The release said that Bartlett will meet with representatives from various airlines and prospective investors at a reception being hosted in his honour by Jamaican Ambassador to Japan Ricardo Allicock.

Bartlett will also have a meeting with chairman of the Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC) to discuss a proposed coffee festival in Jamaica and related tourism activities.

UCC manages coffee plantations on the Blue Mountains.

JAMAICA: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Discusses Tourism With US Ambassador

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Edmund Bartlett (right), meeting with the US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno at his Ministry in New Kingston on Tuesday.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has met with US Ambassador Luis Moreno for discussions on strengthening relations between Jamaica and the United States in the area of tourism.

During the meeting at the New Kingston offices of the Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday, they had preliminary discussions on the prospects for preclearance operations privileges to be granted to Jamaica.

Preclearance allows US Border inspection and clearance of commercial airline passengers and their goods, and is typically the same inspection which a traveller would undergo at a US port of entry. Passengers who go through preclearance do not have to undergo a second inspection on arriving in the US.

Bartlett strongly believes it will be beneficial to the tourism industry, as it will, among other things, facilitate ease of travel for passengers.

“it is crucial for us to strengthen the relationship between Jamaica and the United States. I am convinced that once this is done it will help to drive investment in the sector and open doors for the entry of more US brands in the local tourism industry.”

Among the other issues discussed were efforts to further boost visitor safety and steps to enhance the Tourism Courtesy Corp.

BAHAMAS: Bahamas In 7m Tourist Target

TOURISM officials yesterday said they are hoping to attract a “routine arrival” of cruise ships to the southern Bahamas, as they bid to increase annual visitor numbers to a total of seven million.

Speaking with Tribune Business at a ceremony in Chester’s, Acklins, to mark the arrival of more than 100 passengers aboard the luxury cruise liner, Noble Caledonian Island Sky, Obie Wilchcombe, minister of tourism, said such visits could spark tremendous economic benefits for Family Island economies.

The Island Sky set sail from Miami, and is now on a 14-day itinerary through the northern Caribbean and the Bahamas. The majority of its passengers are European, with some from Australia.

“There is a natural beauty to Acklins. There was an event here a couple months ago, and now they’re coming back,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“What we want to do is try and cause for a routine visit here, whether it’s once a quarter or once every month or every two months; something to help generate economic activity. Most of the islands are empty because people have left in search of activity. We we have to find ways to generate economic growth and development.”

He added: “One visit could mean a tremendous economic benefit to the island. If we could cause a routine arrival of cruise ships between the southern Bahamas and southern countries, we would be in great shape.”

Speaking to expectations for cruise arrivals this year, Mr Wilchcombe said: “In so far as cruise arrivals are concerned, we’re up again. It’s continuing to grow. We have seen Norwegian Cruise Lines add a new vessel, travelling between Nassau and Miami. We expect a very good year for sea arrivals.”

Regarding air arrivals, Mr Wilchcombe said: “Air arrivals are looking good for this year. We knew last year it would be a bad year, but already we’re already off to a good start.

“Grand Bahama is already up by 5,000 visitors for the month of January. We’re not going to be satisfied until we get to the seven million mark.”