Island Welcomes 2.34 Million Visitors Generating USD $2.5 Billion in Earnings as of August 31.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, September 10, 2026 – Reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, Jamaica recorded 2.34 million visitor arrivals to its shores as of August 31, 2026. These arrivals generated USD $2.5 billion in earnings into the country’s economy for the eight-month period, positively impacting local businesses and tourism stakeholders.

“This performance indicates robust demand for Jamaica’s tourism product despite operating with a reduced room stock following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “The fact that the arrival numbers remain strong reflects the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector and excellent job by the Jamaica Tourist Board and our overall tourism stakeholders to keep demand at this level.” 

Jamaica is currently at 70 percent of its previous room capacity with several large resorts working to refurbish their products. The remaining 30 percent of properties have planned reopenings by the end of 2026 or first quarter of 2027.

Earlier this year, Minister Bartlett announced “Tourism 3.0” — a new set of objectives designed to continue to drive air connectivity, visitor arrivals, and investment, which reflects the government’s recognition of the tourism sector’s importance to Jamaica’s economy. It also seeks to ensure that more Jamaicans benefit from the value chain of the sector.

According to Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, sustained demand from travelers has helped Jamaica maintain strong partnerships with its airline carriers and cruise line partners resulting in high load factors and arrivals.

“Confidence in Jamaica remains high from our trusted airline, cruise, tour operator and travel agent partners, which is a testament to the priority we place on maintaining outstanding relationships,” noted Director White. “We are very grateful to everyone helping us meet the ongoing demand from travelers who continue to seek out the unique product that Jamaica offers.”

For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com