Jamaica has already reached 1 million stopover visitors in 2022, officials revealed this week. 

The number instantly puts the island among the most-visited destinations in the Caribbean so far this year.

Traveler Brian Simmons was the 1 millionth visitor, arriving at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport on JetBlue flight 1479 from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

It’s part of a continued tourism rebound for the island, which first reopened for tourism in the summer of 2020. 

“This moment is a testament to the confidence that the market shows in Jamaica as well as the strength, resilience and enduring appeal of Jamaica’s tourism product as we build back stronger,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. 

The milestone also comes as Jamaica celebrates the 60th anniversary of its Independence. 

“This occasion clearly demonstrates the success of Jamaica’s recovery efforts,” added Director White. “We have been seeing a steadily increasing growth in stopover arrivals this year and, summer bookings pacing ahead of 2019 to be the strongest summer we have ever experienced.”

“We encourage everyone to explore the island, connect with our people and learn about our culture so they will want to come back to Jamaica again and again,” Bartlett said.