Jamaica targets new markets for tourism business

(Gleaner): With emerging markets expected to recover from the global economic crisis at a faster pace, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says greater emphasis is being placed on marketing Jamaica to prospective travellers in those regions. Addressing the Pacific Area Writers Association international seminar on ‘Travel and Tourism: Need for a Survival Plan in Turbulent Times’ at the World Travel Market in London on November 10, Minister Bartlett pointed to research which indicates that emerging economies, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China will ultimately surpass the growth rate of developed economies in the United States, Japan and Europe.

Emerging markets are forecast to grow in the region of nine per cent this year, compared with five per cent for developed economies.

Bartlett told the influential tourism writers’ group that consequently, "We are looking at these emerging markets as comprising over half the world’s population; hence the fast and furious pace at which they are expanding must also create a significant impact on global travel."