Jamaica is projecting very strong tourism growth for 2023, fresh off a full-fledged renaissance in 2022, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. 

The island is forecasting 11 percent tourism growth this year, officials announced at this week’s FITUR trade show in Spain, where Jamaica sent a large delegation. 

Tourism earnings this year are also forecasted to reach $4.122 billion, an estimated 13.3 percent increase over last year’s earnings. 

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

The growth projection come from the island’s primary source markets: the United States is showing growth of 7 percent, while Canada is showing nearly 39 percent growth. 

“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. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s focus on an integrated sales and marketing strategy which is embedded in the pervasive use of new technologies along with a focus on new and emerging markets, has allowed the destination to leapfrog its own projections for growth,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Last year, the island welcomed 3.3 million visitors. 

Jamaica officials say there is a “high possibility that full recovery could be realized a year earlier than predicted.”