Jamaican Carnival 2024 concludes with huge success, generates over $5B in revenue

Jamaica: The Carnival 2024 in Jamaica concluded on Sunday after generating more than $5 billion (approximately 32.5 million USD) in revenue. This was announced by the Ministry of Tourism after initial estimates of visitor arrivals. The carnival saw thousands of revellers flooding the streets of the island and dancing to the beats of various performers.

A senior advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, said that the Carnival season has rebounded to pre-covid levels, with more than 10,000 revellers participating in different bands, which is similar to the numbers seen in 2019.

During the carnival, several spectators lined up the streets to witness the road march with Seiveright highlighting the widespread economic benefits and hotels, airlines, Airbnbs and other sectors witnessing a huge surge in business.

In addition to this, the engagement of celebrity social media influencers provided huge international exposure and in spite of interruptions because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, the Jamaica Carnival has experienced major growth since its launch on April 22, 1990. Seiveright also noted the collaborative efforts between the tourism linkages’ sports and entertainment network, the Ministry of Culture, entertainment and Sports and Carnival bands that strive to enhance the local Carnival experience for both visitors and locals.

He also added that this strategic approach aligns with the objectives of the tourism ministry to boost Jamaica’s appeal as a premier entertainment destination while fostering higher growth rates in visitor arrivals and earnings.

Following the conclusion of the carnival, the Ministry of Tourism said that Jamaica had achieved one of its highest revenue hauls on record.

Meanwhile, one of the directors of YardMAS Carnival, Dania Beckford also noted that carnival execution in Jamaica is a multi million US dollar investment. This shows people’s love for the carnival which takes place every year on the island nation and brings out individuals from across the Caribbean region to the streets of Jamaica.