JAMAICA ON COURSE TO GENERATE OVER US$4B IN RECORD TOURISM EARNINGS

Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemicinduced economic fallout, generating earnings of US$3.64B in 2022.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett made this disclosure during the January 10 sitting of the House of Representatives.

“We ended the year equalling the record-breaking earnings for Tourism of US$3.64 billion, and the 2022/23 fiscal year. I will report comprehensively when we make our 2023/24 budget presentation. We expect to show US$4.2B earnings in Tourism, which would be US$500M more than 2019, arguably the best year in our history,” Mr. Bartlett said.

He added that the 2022/23 winter season has, so far, “started with a bang,” with January’s figures, to date, showing a 463% increase over last year and 29% points growth over 2019.

Regarding the Tourism Pension Scheme, Mr. Bartlett said nearly 8,000 workers are now contributing to the plan, generating savings of $350M.

He indicated that the scheme would reach 10,000 members during winter.

“The potential for this pension programme is to have over 350,000 members, and that savings will bring billions of dollars, which will now become a pool of affordable funds for capital development and on-lending for various other investment projects,” Mr. Bartlett said.

“And we know in economics that one of the bases on which solid growth is predicated is when the domestic savings of a country are converted into investments,” he added. The pension scheme covers all Tourism workers aged 18-59, whether permanent, contract, or self-employed.

They include Hotel Workers and persons employed in related industries, such as Craft Vendors, Tour Operators, Red Cap Porters, Contract Carriage Operators, and workers at Attractions.

The benefits will be payable at the age of 65 years or older.

WORK MORE MOVEMENT INTO YOUR LIFE!

For 2023, strive to introduce more exercise into your life. We know this is easier said than done with the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life. We promise the benefits are worth it!

There are several ways to embrace a new fitness routine and a healthier lifestyle, whether the calendar says January 2023 or not.

According to Takese Foga, Director of Health, Promotions, and Education in the Ministry of Health & Wellness, people should explore different options and find something appropriate for them, interesting to them, and something they would want to do long term.

The big goal is to find a long-term solution, not just a resolution.

“Persons should incorporate physical activity and make healthy practices a part of their lifestyle. Start small and incorporate what you do into something you love at home and the workplace,” Foga said.

For those wanting to work out at home, numerous routines and products easily fit into the busiest schedules.

Identify Internal Motivators

One way is to progress slowly back into a fitness regimen. That might start with a light, leisurely walk or a bike ride.

Fitness also helps your mental health, not just your physical health. We are all dealing with so many different areas of our lives that have entirely changed since COVID-19,” Foga said.

Online fitness communities or remote exercise classes will bring back that motivation while holding you accountable.

What is critical about any lifestyle choice we make, whether it is fitness, health, stress management, self-care or mental health; the key is to identify our true internal motivators.

Millennial Media Management and The Millennial Marketer supports Jamaica's effort to vaccinate our population from the COVID-19 virus.

It is the responsibility of all Jamaicans to play our part in ensuring that our nation recovers better and stronger!

Here are the facts to combat the myths surrounding the COVID-19. vaccines. #GetVaccinated #GetBackToLife