Cruises Destined to Give Jamaican Economy the Inside Track

Jamaica´s economy will leapfrog dramatically following the enhancement of the island nation´s cruise service on the basis of a new agreement signed between Royal Caribbean Cruises and local authorities. The treaty will bring a minimum of 2 million cruise passengers to Jamaica and over $16 million worth of revenues over the next five years.

A similar accord had been inked last February with Carnival Corporation to take some 50,000 travelers to Jamaican shores, the island nation´s Minister of Transportation Robert Pickersgill told Caribbean News Digital.

In order to clinch that number of passengers and their comfort, the Jamaican government determined to streamline some seaport facilities in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Lucea.

The local travel industry weakened in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. three years ago and due to rampant crime on the island.