Members of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) are placing an optimistic 70 percent occupancy rate for the winter season. The winter tourist season officially begins on December 15 and runs until April 30.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is predicting a US$2 billion in earnings as a result, based on travel and occupancy data forecasts.
Clifton Reader, president of the JHTA said the advent of the Omicron variation and its impact on travel restrictions have placed a damper on tourism outlook. He however stated that the initial concern of major travel disruption to the island does not appear to be a reality and an issue at this point.
Reader gave compliments to the fact that the tourism sector boats a high level of vaccination amongst its workers, routine tests and following pandemic protocols. This he said has given tourists a high level of confidence to visit Jamaica.
