Over 736,000 cruise passengers visit Jamaica | News
Jamaica welcomed more than 736,000 cruise passengers from 234 ship calls during the first seven months of the year, as tourism officials move to expand both the number of vessels calling at the island and the ports they visit.
Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas Phillip Rose disclosed this morning that 736,372 cruise passengers visited Jamaica between January and July.
He was addressing the official opening of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
The country’s principal cruise ports of Montego Bay, Falmouth and Ocho Rios accounted for much of the traffic, but Rose said cruise activity was also being expanded into other areas of the island.
He disclosed that four ships had visited Port Antonio and Kingston during the period.
“We’re not only diversifying our source markets in terms of airlift and expanding the cruise lines that come to Jamaica. We’re also expanding where persons can go and visit when they get to Jamaica,” Rose said.
The Deputy Director of Tourism also announced that Disney Destiny is expected to begin calling at Falmouth on October 13, bringing just under 2,800 passengers.
Jamaica is currently receiving calls from several of the world’s major cruise operators, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages.
Rose said the cruise sector proved to be an important partner in Jamaica’s tourism recovery following Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaica’s tourism authorities are simultaneously seeking to spread visitor activity beyond the traditional resort centres.
Rose pointed to Kingston and Port Antonio as destinations capable of attracting visitors interested in experiences beyond the country’s established beach resorts.
“Jamaica is the most diverse destination, probably in the world,” he said.
“While we tend to celebrate and focus exclusively on a few resort towns that offer beautiful beaches, there are a lot of visitors who are coming to Jamaica and looking for Kingston activities and also going into the majestic or magical areas of Port Antonio.”
The cruise performance forms part of a broader tourism recovery which saw Jamaica welcome approximately 2.3 million visitors between January and August, generating US$2.5 billion in revenue.
JAPEX is being staged by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board.
janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com
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