OTTAWA — The number of Canadian travellers visiting Jamaica has surged in the past couple of years and tourism officials in the Caribbean country are hoping that the clashes in Kingston do not derail this success.

Few Canadian tourists head for the capital with most vacationing on the north and west coasts of the island.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is advising against non-essential travel to downtown areas of Kingston due to the possibility of civil unrest. “There is a possibility of isolated disturbances, riots and violence due to ongoing political tensions, and a limited state of emergency was declared in Kingston and St. Andrew on May 23. The security situation could deteriorate with little or no notice, and the potential for civil unrest and violent clashes remains. Canadians currently in Kingston should avoid travelling to affected inner-city areas, exercise extreme caution, follow the advice of local authorities and closely monitor local news reports,” it said.