Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism reports the country earned US$4.3 billion from the industry in 2024 as a result of over 4.3 million visitors. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the sector finished the year strong, despite the slight shortfall in arrival figures due to travel disruptions, natural disasters and geopolitical issues. In 2024, there were 68,000 fewer seats available for arrival in the country which saw a natural reduction in the projected figures for the year. Yet, Jamaica finished the year with a slight increase in arrivals with national earnings meeting projections. 2025 is expected to be a strong year for tourism with the country on track to realise its growth strategy of five million visitors and earnings of US$5 billion. A 12.9% increase in visitors is expected compared to the previous year's winter period - the strongest for earnings in tourism in the country. Bartlett noted that 1.6 million airline seats have already been secured for the current winter season, which, he said, “is the largest amount ever”. This comes as the Ministry announced its plans to position the hospitality sector to attract more luxury developments similar to the US$450-million Montego Bay Pinnacle luxury lifestyle de