The Caribbean island nation of Jamaica is known for its exotic beaches, mountains and rainforests and little wonder that it attracts millions of visitors from North America and Europe. As tourism recovery accelerates, Jamaica is trying to extend its footprint in Asia, especially India. In an exclusive interview with India Outbound at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett says he intends to use the Middle East as a springboard to reach out to Asian markets, besides the local traffic. Bartlett adds that with encouraging summer bookings, tourist arrivals in Jamaica this year should reach 80 pc of 2019 levels.