Jamaica Generates $197.8 Million in Cruise Tourism Spending for 2023/2024

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Jamaica continues to solidify its standing as a premier Caribbean destination, with the cruise tourism sector generating an impressive US$197.8 million during the 2023/2024 season. The figure comes from a recent study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), conducted in collaboration with Jamaica Vacations Limited.

The island’s overall revenue from cruise tourism stems from a combination of passenger and crew spending, and expenditures by the destination and cruise lines on port services, taxes, and locally sourced goods and services.

The survey revealed that 1,426,485 cruise passengers visited Jamaica during the season, with 1,158,240 choosing to disembark and explore the island. These passengers collectively spent around US$136.7 million on a variety of experiences, including accommodations, dining, shopping and shore excursions.

“We have seen tremendous growth in our cruise tourism sector,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “In 2023, we welcomed 1.26 million cruise passenger arrivals, which was 48.3 percent above 2022 figures. To keep up with demand, we work diligently to ensure our ports and services remain updated so cruise lines, crew members and passengers have an outstanding experience from arrival to departure—including the enjoyment of our famous beaches, historical sites and adventure experiences in between.”

While exploring the destination, passengers spent the majority of their money on excursions, watches and jewelry, with 71 percent of expenditures going toward these categories. Additionally, 62 percent of cruise parties reported that they had paid for excursions. Meanwhile, an estimated 166,790 crew members contributed nearly US$8.1 million to the local economy, spending on excursions, local crafts and food, among other things.

The research also found that Jamaica ranked as the fifth-highest destination in the Caribbean and Latin America in terms of expenditures by cruise lines during the 2023/2024 season, with an investment of US$49.7 million. This figure includes cruise lines’ payments to local businesses for various goods and services, such as port fees, taxes navigation services, utilities and other supplies.

“Cruise lines have expressed keen interest in sourcing more of their global product needs from Jamaica,” continued Bartlett. “Therefore, through the Tourism Linkages Network, we are working to increase opportunity for Jamaica’s farmers, manufacturers, artisans, and other enterprises to offer these services.”

The economic benefits of cruise tourism spending in Jamaica also extend to local employment. The industry directly supported 3,920 Jamaican jobs, contributing US$36.1 million in annual wages.

“The cruise industry has played a major role in our tourism growth,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “We have welcomed over three million visitors this year so far, and that is largely due to our operators, vendors and suppliers who work diligently to ensure the entire visitor experience—for those arriving by air or sea—is smooth sailing.”

Conducted aboard FCCA member cruise ships, the study surveyed passengers and crew between October 2023 and May 2024. As Jamaica continues to elevate its offerings, the nation remains committed to enhancing its status as a global tourism powerhouse. Among the respondents, an astounding 73 percent noted that it was their inaugural visit to the island, with visitors primarily hailing from the U.S. (32 percent), Canada (37 percent) and Italy (17 percent).

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