KINGSTON — Jamaica has recorded a strong tourism rebound, welcoming more than one million visitors and generating US$956 million in foreign exchange earnings in the first quarter of 2026, just months after the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The milestone was announced by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during an address to members of the Jamaican diaspora at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. on April 8.
Speaking to an audience of community leaders and professionals, Bartlett credited the diaspora – particularly the more than 38,000 Jamaicans living in the Washington metropolitan area – as a key driver behind the destination’s rapid recovery.
“Before a traveller ever books a ticket, before they see a brochure or a campaign, they often hear about Jamaica through you,” Minister Bartlett told the gathering. “You are among our most powerful ambassadors, and I mean that in the most literal sense.”
Bartlett described the destination’s post-hurricane performance as “resilience in action,” noting that the industry was able to maintain momentum despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa. He emphasized that the positive messaging and advocacy from Jamaicans abroad played a critical role in sustaining traveller confidence.
“These figures speak to the resilience of the destination and global support that our island continues to receive. The world is confident in our ability to recover from disruptions and deliver top-class hospitality at every level,” said Minister Bartlett.
The minister also highlighted the importance of the diaspora in countering misinformation and shaping Jamaica’s global image, particularly in an era where perceptions can shift quickly.
“Every time you speak positively about Jamaica, every time you correct a misconception, every time you invite someone to visit or return – you are actively strengthening our country’s resilience.”
Further underscoring the destination’s recovery, Donovan White, Director of Tourism, pointed to continued growth across key international markets, including 25% year-to-date growth from Latin America and 7% from Asia.
“Surpassing one million visitor arrivals in under six months since the passage of Hurricane Melissa is a remarkable achievement for Jamaica. It speaks directly to the resilience of our tourism sector and the unwavering commitment of our partners and the Jamaican people,” said White.
For more information about Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com.
Lead image caption: Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (centre) with Ambassador for Jamaica to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Anthony Anderson (1st left), Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose (3rd from left) and members of the diaspora in Washington, D.C. on April 8, 2026
