Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has expressed appreciation to the island’s travel specialists for their efforts in driving tourism recovery following Hurricane Melissa, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Through their work, travel agents have secured more than 23,000 room nights valued at approximately 8 million dollars.

“Without you, tourism couldn’t happen. You represent a huge part of tourism, and even though you are away from Jamaica, your work is essential,” said Bartlett, speaking to over 100 travel specialists at a reception in New York.

“In the face of unprecedented challenges brought by Hurricane Melissa, you have worked tirelessly to restore confidence in our destination and deliver results that exceed our most optimistic projections.”

The minister emphasized the multiplier effect of tourism, noting that it takes at least 175 economic and social activities to satisfy one tourist.

“The 23,000 room nights you’ve secured represent not just numbers on a page, but livelihoods restored and businesses revitalized,” Bartlett stated.

“Each tourist engages over 175 skill sets and touch points, from airport operations to hotel services, from transportation to attractions, and at each point, income flows to Jamaicans.”

The 8 million dollars in secured bookings represents an injection of revenue into the local economy, supporting tourism-dependent businesses and workers impacted by the hurricane.

“Many times, we overlook the true contribution of tourism. While tourism may appear as 10 percent of GDP in statistics, it really represents 34 percent or more of our economic activity,” said Bartlett.

“Tourism is not a definable economic activity. It is a confluence of many economic and social activities that secure the well-being of Jamaica and Jamaicans.”

The minister explained further how travel agents play a role in this ecosystem.

“It starts when the idea is born that someone wants to travel. Without you making that one tourist come to Jamaica, none of the economic multiplication happens. You are the catalyst for everything that follows.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board has been working closely with travel agents through familiarization trips, regular updates on infrastructure restoration and collaborative marketing initiatives to support their sales efforts.