As its tourism industry continues to roar back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica’s 2023 forecast predicts powerful 11% growth. Helping to drive that surge is the Canadian market, which is expected to deliver extraordinary growth of nearly 40%.

Gross foreign exchange earnings for the 2023 calendar year are forecasted to reach US$4.12 billion, an estimated 13.3% increase on the previous year’s earnings.

“Jamaica’s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections,” said Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism. “We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for workers and the island’s economy.

Canada, which was slower to rebound than other major source markets, is positioned to deliver 38.7% growth, with the U.S. showing steady growth of 7%.

“Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood and driver of economic growth and the industry’s growth means the country’s growth," Bartlett said.

Director of Tourism Donovan White thanked those who help bring tourists to the island.

“We could not achieve these successes without our partners. Our airline partners, tour operators, travel agents and so many more have contributed to the destination remaining top of mind and accelerating our recovery.”

Last year, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and registered a remarkable recovery of earnings compared to pre-COVID earnings of 2019, with total estimated revenue of US$3.63 billion USD.

As its recovery continues to outpace earlier projections, the nation’s tourism representatives say there is a strong possibility that full recovery could be realized a year earlier than predicted.