TALKING POINTS FOR MINISTER OF TOURISM, HON. EDMUND BARTLETT AT THE INAUGURAL CALL OF HARMONY OF THE SEAS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

·       Today is truly a historic day for Jamaica’s tourism industry as we welcome the inaugural call of Harmony of the Seas – the world’s largest cruise ship – to the Port of Falmouth and the beautiful parish of Trelawny.

·       Royal Caribbean has had a long and fruitful relationship with the local cruise industry. We are therefore very excited that the floating mega resort Harmony of the Seas will now join its sister ships, the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, in berthing at Falmouth Pier.

·       This Port of Falmouth now has the wonderful distinction of accommodating the three largest cruise ships in the world.

·       We are proud that you have decided to make Jamaica one of the ports of call for Harmony of the Seas.  Jamaica is a world class destination with many beautiful beaches, outdoor activities and dining and entertainment options that will provide exciting and memorable experiences for passengers who go on shore.

·       The visit will provide a major boost for Jamaica’s growing cruise ship sector, which for the period January to September 2016 saw a 9.6% increase in cruise passenger arrivals, with 1,223,608 recorded passengers, when compared to the same period last year.

·       I am happy to share that we recorded cruise passenger earnings of approximately US$111 million, up from some US$98.3 million for the same period last year.

·       The cruise industry has become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry around the world.  According to ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015/2016, cruise holidays have boomed with a dynamic 248% increase in the last seven years. 

·       In addition, the cruise industry continues to make a significant contribution to the global economy. According to the latest figures available, cruise industry expenditure generated $119.9 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees who earned $39.3 billion in income in 2014.

·       This phenomenal growth has major implications for Jamaica’s tourism industry as we seek to reposition the sector to generate higher growth rates in both visitor arrivals and earnings.

·       Ladies and Gentlemen, Jamaica is firmly committed to investing in cruise tourism development and is taking aggressive steps to benefit from this phenomenal growth in the cruise sector. 

·       I recently returned from Miami where I met with representatives of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association to discuss additional ships for Jamaica. 

·       In addition, the newly appointed National Cruise Council (NCC), chaired by Michael Belnavis, has been mandated to guide and grow this sector in a steady and sustainable manner.

·       We are also improving the supporting infrastructure at our ports and in the surrounding towns. The Ministry’s Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), in collaboration with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), are in the process of giving Falmouth a major facelift that will enhance the ambience of this historic town.

·       The Falmouth project has two components – the Hampden Wharf Development and a Streetscape Improvement Project – which will not only see the addition of restaurants, an entertainment centre and shops but will also see aesthetic and structural improvements to Falmouth.  

·       To date TEF has committed one billion dollars to these redevelopment projects and there are plans for a further capital injection.  This will enhance Falmouth for both visitors and locals alike.  It also means more jobs and revenue for the town. It’s a win win for all concerned.

·       We are very optimistic about the future of cruise tourism in Jamaica and look forward to seeing more and more cruise lines visiting our beautiful ports.

·       Once again, I would like to extend a warm Jamaican welcome to the passengers and crew Harmony of the Seas. I am confident you will all have an enjoyable time. Our music, our cuisine, our fine beaches, our many attractions and most importantly our hospitable people are second to none.

Thank you for coming and be sure to come again.