Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Jamaica Tourism
A Fascinating Timeline Of Key Historical Events
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
Jamaica Tourism Facts & Figures | A Historical Timeline
by Wellelsey Gayle
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
This is truly fascinating!
I recently completed my team Jamaica training and got some truly 'eye-opening' learnings about tourism here in Jamaica; the current trends, but also from a historical perspective.
I learned, for example, that the first all-inclusive concept was created by Frenchman's cove here in the 1940's.
But there are lot's more! Let me grab my book notes and share it with you right now, a comprehensive timeline of historical events in Jamaica's tourism history.
Looking For Jamaica Tourism Statistics?
Click here to see my detailed response post on the question of visitor arrival statistics in Jamaica.
Get ready to be impressed.
And please don't hesitate to share this insightful information with someone, especially who I call, 'Jamaica enthusiasts' :-)
Jamaica Tourism History| A Timeline
| Year | Important Tourism Event In Jamaica' s History |
|---|---|
| 1700's | Plantation owners invited their friends and relatives to visit, especially during the winter season. |
| 1880's | Captain Lorenzo Baker brought friends of his employees on his banana boats to Port Antonio after delivering bananas to Boston. Philadelphia and New York. |
| 1890 | The Jamaica Hotel Law passed which signalled the beginning of Jamaica's commitment to the development of the island's tourism. |
| 1891 | The Great Exhibition took place in Kingston to showcase the natural and manufactured products of Jamaica. As a result, several hotels were built e.g. Myrtle Bank in Kingston. |
| 1906 | Doctor's Cave began when Dr. Alexander James McCatty donated his beach house to found a bathing club. |
| 1910 | The Jamaica Tourist Association was formed. Its primary purpose was to enhance the claims of the colony as a health and pleasure resort at home and abroad. Also to provide reliable information to both prospective visitors and those already holidaying in the island. |
| 1920's | Doctor's Cave acclaimed for curative powers of its water in article published by Sir Herbert Baker, a British Osteopath. Sir Baker was restored to health after bathing there thus boosting its allure to become a famous overnight venture to foreign visitors. The cave was destroyed in a hurricane in 1932. |
| 1922 | The Tourist Trade Development Board was established by the Government. |
| 1930 | Pan American landed the first sea plane in Jamaica. Charles Lindbergh was the pilot. The inauguration of Pan Am Airline service saw Jamaica emerging as leading destination for visitors. This service continued up to the start of the Second Wodd War. |
| 1940's | First All-lnclusive concept created by Frenchman's Cove. |
| 1955 | The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) was established to replace the Tourist Trade Development Board with offices opened in the major markets of the United States and the United Kingdom. |
| 1950's (Mid) | Jamaica serviced by eight (8) International Airlines BOAC, BWIA, PAA, SKLAM, TransCanadian Aiiways, Delta, Avianca and Avenca. |
| 1960's | Tourism developed in Negril with the arrival of nature lovers. |
| 1961 | The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) established as a Private Sector Organization. |
| 1962 | Mr. John Pringle appointed as the tirst Director of Tourism. |
| 1968 | Air Jamaica started its service. |
| 1980 | A Ministry of Tourism was created, with . responsibility for the development of the tounsm industry |
| 1981 | Toun'sm became the main foreign exchange earner. |
| 1987 | Jamaica received its one millionth visitor in December. |
| 1988 | The Tourism Action Plan Ltd. (T.A.P.) was formed to improve the tourism product. |
| 1993 | TAP Tourism Action Plan contracted by the Government to manage the Information Officers, standards, inspections and tourism training. |
| 1994 | Air Jamaica sold by the Government to the Air Jamaica Acquisition Group with Gordon "Butch" Stewart as Chairman. |
| 1995 | Passage of the Hotel Incentive Act which was aimed at stimulating hotel expansion. |
| 1996 | Tourism Product Development Company ('l'PDCo.) was reactivated to manage standards, Inspections, licensing, projects and training. |
| 1997 | Team Jamaica Programme launched. |
| 2013 | Jamaica welcomes 2,000,000 stopover visitors. |
| 2013 | Disney Cruise Lines maiden voyage to Jamaica. |
| 2014 | Stopovers visitors: 2,080,181 Cruise Passengers: 1,423,800 |
| 2014 | Carole Guntley awarded Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award by CTO. |
| 2015 | Stopovers visitors: 2,123,042 Cruise Passengers: 1,568,702 |
| 2015 | Adam Stewart, CEO Sandals Resort lntemational (SRI) awarded Hotelier of the Year 2014 by JHTA. |
| 2015 | Joyce Wright founder of Rondel Village awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by JHTA. |
| 2015 | Sangster International Airport witnessed 14,000 pax & 55 flights for the day including 4 from Germany & 6 from UK. |
| 2016 | National Community Portal oflicially launched in Kingston in September. |
| 2016 | World's largest Cruise Ship Harmony of the Sea docked in Falmouth 8000 PAX |
| 2016 | Port of Kingston welcomed its largest ever cruise ship, 'MS Monarch' 2700 PAX. |
Other Key Facts In Jamaica Tourism
- The Titchfield hotel is said to be the first hotel to be build in Jamaica with modern conveniences such as plunge elevator.
- The Constant Spring Hotel was the first hotel which had electricity in Jamaica. This building later became the Convent at Immaculate Conception High School.
Quite interesting isn't it?
It certainly is! I figured you'd find it insightful.
New! The Jamaica's Best Attraction Directory
What are the top attractions in Jamaica today? Take a look at what I call, 'the directory of top attractions in Jamaica here.
You might like these as well
Can You Drive In Jamaica With a US License? A Guide For U.S Visitors
Can you drive In Jamaica With A US License? You are in luck since you absolutely can!
Where Is Jamaica Located?
Where is Jamaica located exactly? America, Africa or the Caribbean? The precise location of the island is often confused. That’s okay. Let’s clear it up today.
Other Pages Related To Jamaica Tourism
- What are the disadvantages of tourism in Jamaica?
- How Does Jamaica Benefit from Tourism?
- What is the history of Tourism in Jamaica?
- Jamaican Tourist Board - Functions & Interesting Facts
Back to Top Jamaica Tourism
Return to Vacation in Jamaica from Jamaica Tourism History
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaica Tourism Timeline
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Snorkelling In Ocho Rios | An Unforgettable Experience
Dec 28, 24 10:00 PM
Whether you're gliding over the vibrant coral reefs or marveling at the rich biodiversity, snorkelling in Ocho Rios offers unforgettable experiences. -
Boxing day in Jamaica
Dec 28, 24 07:56 PM
What does boxing day means in Jamaica? And Why is it called Boxing Day in Jamaica? I know many countries have different meanings to this holiday, but -
Do Jamaicans Celebrate Kwanzaa?
Dec 28, 24 06:59 PM
Do Jamaicans celebrate Kwanzaa? Learn about this African-inspired holiday and how it is observed in Jamaica amidst our island's strong Christmas traditions. -
Pearly Beach Ocho Rios | A Tranquil Escape
Dec 27, 24 07:05 PM
Discover Pearly Beach Ocho Rios, Jamaica, your perfect escape for tranquility and adventure. Enjoy calm turquoise waters and soft white sand. -
Gran’ Grand Market In Jamaica | Christmas Eve In Jamaica
Dec 24, 24 06:22 PM
Grand Market in Jamaica is exactly as it sounds. It's a time for last-minute shoppers to get their items and enjoy the music, food & fun…until Christmas morning
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.