KINGSTON, Jamaica - The discussion about increasing and sustaining economic growth in Jamaica must recognise that tourism will be the engine of economic growth in both the short and medium terms.
In the context of the downturn in the world economy, the tourism sector has done well, as is evident in the steady annual increase in the number of visitor arrivals, resulting in much needed foreign exchange, taxes and employment.
The United States and Canada have traditionally been the biggest source of visitors who come to our shores to soak up the sun and cavort in the warm blue waters of the Caribbean sea. In more recent years, there has been some diversification in tourist source to include Japan and Western Europe. This is in part a deliberate strategy by the Government of Jamaica, reflected in air lift and marketing, including by private resorts, and as a result of direct foreign investment by Spanish companies.