Jamaica is projecting a “record” winter tourist season, according to Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. 

The winter tourism season typically begins Dec. 15, running through mid-April 

Bartlett said the island is projecting a total fo 1.3 million seats, more than 900,000 of which will be from the United States. 

That would generate more than $1.5 billion in foreign exchange in the period, Bartlett said. 

“These figures show that we are well ahead of our previous recovery projections and that Jamaica remains a safe and seamless destination that is in high demand. Our airlift is strong as we increase routes and connectivity, and cruise is back,” Bartlett said. “I am truly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our tourism workers and stakeholders who have made this possible.”

“This is even more special because we worked together to put tourism, the lifeblood of our economy, back on track after going through the most unprecedented global pandemic,” Bartlett said. 

The projections, if realized, would represent a 67.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021-2022. 

“Jamaica’s brand position remains very strong, and we continue to see visitors come in droves to have authentic experiences from our food to our music and nightlife. We will continue the strategic positioning of the destination to ensure even more increases in arrivals and earnings, said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board.