By Dennise Williams, Staff ReporterTOURISM continues to be Jamaica's golden goose. The revenues from tourism helped drive the net international reserves to approximately US$1.6 billion and continue to fuel economic growth.
Recent figures released show that the visitor arrivals are back to their pre-September 11, 2001 levels.
"It looks like the best April ever! Overall winter season shows the highest stop-over arrivals ever," states Mark Walters, vice-president of treasury and asset management at Dehring, Bunting & Golding. Mr. Walters was reacting to the release by the Corporate Planning & Research Department of the Jamaica Tourist Board. The figures were compiled from immigration statistics gathered at the two international airports Normal Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Looking at the figures reveals that Jamaica has recovered from the effects of September 11. The numbers tell the story.
April 2004: 124,152
April 2003: 105,354
April 2002: 94,972
April 2001: 120,144
April 2000: 114,083
However, when one adds into the mix cruise ship passengers and non-resident Jamaicans who visit, the contribution to the local economy is staggering.
According to the Bank of Jamaica, in January 2004, 234,000 persons stayed in Jamaica and spent US$7.1 billion. In February 2004, the arrivals inched up to 235,480 and spending remained the same at US$7.1 billion.
Hoping to continue the trend, the Government recently announced plans for developing an ultra-luxurious five-star resort in Trelawny named 'Harmony Cove'. The resort will consist of four five-star hotels, three golf courses and a marina, among other amenities.
