Jamaica Carnival 2025 welcomes 8,571 visitors and events feature road marches, parties and concerts
Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, has firmly established itself as a premier global destination, with early 2025 marking a series of record-breaking achievements that highlight its cultural vibrancy, hospitality excellence and international appeal.
In a press statement, Jamaica Tourist Board says that the island’s carnival, held from April 22 to 27, drew unprecedented crowds, welcoming 8,571 visitors specifically for the festivities, a 15.5 pc increase over 2024 and a total of 16,958 passenger arrivals during the week, representing a 20 pc year-over-year growth.
The statement adds that events across Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios featured energetic road marches, parties and concerts, captivating thousands of international visitors.
Also Read: Jamaica launches ‘Kingston Season of Excitement’ to boost tourism
It adds that Kingston’s hotels reached near-capacity and sectors such as transportation, dining and retail experienced heightened demand.
Moreover, enhanced event logistics and sustainability efforts, including swift post-event clean-up and improved crowd management, contributed to a smoother visitor experience and positive public feedback.
According to the statement, carnival’s success is a testament to Jamaica’s strategy of positioning Kingston as a leading leisure tourism hub, leveraging the city’s rich music, art and culinary heritage.
Donovan White
“In the past few years, Kingston has evolved from being primarily a business and administrative hub to a vibrant centre for leisure and culture-driven tourism,” says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
Also Read: Jamaica hits record USD 4.3 billion in tourism revenue for 2024
“We are seeing a positive shift in how travellers are experiencing Kingston, not just as a gateway, but as a destination in its own right,” White adds.
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