Jamaica Carnival shatters records

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) said on Tuesday, May 6, that Jamaica Carnival 2025 shattered previous records, with the island recording its highest-ever visitor arrivals for the annual celebration.

Preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that between April 22 and April 27, 8,571 visitors arrived in the country, a 15.5 % increase over the same period in 2024.

The ministry said that total passenger arrivals climbed to 16,958, representing a 20 % year-over-year increase.

“These record-breaking numbers translate directly into increased revenue for our hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and small businesses,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.

“Carnival has proven itself as a powerful economic driver, showcasing Jamaica beyond our beaches and reinforcing our vision to position the island as the Caribbean’s premier destination for world-class cultural experiences,” he added.

JTB said that while final revenue figures are still being tabulated, preliminary projections suggest that Carnival in Jamaica 2025 will significantly surpass the J$4.42 billion (US$27.8 million) in direct economic impact recorded in 2024.

When factoring in the multiplier effect from indirect and induced spending, JTB said the total economic contribution is also expected to exceed last year’s impressive J$95.4 billion (US$ $600 million) impact on Jamaica’s economy.

“These results further cement carnival’s role as a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism growth strategy,” JTB said.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, said: “Carnival in Jamaica 2025 surpassed all expectations and has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s premier cultural tourism attractions.

“It goes far beyond the road march, too, from themed parties and live music to costume design and culinary showcases,” he added. “With demand rising year after year, we’re confident carnival in Jamaica will continue to deliver an immersive cultural experience that benefits the entire economy.”

Kamal Bankay, chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Sports and Entertainment Network, said that all three major bands experienced growth, with about 11,000 revelers participating, matching projections of 10 % growth over 2024.

“This was our biggest year yet,” he said. “Tourist participation was notably higher, with many first-time visitors flying in from across the globe to join the festivities.”

Bankay also pointed to the unprecedented spectator turnout, particularly along Trafalgar Road, which became the largest viewing zone in carnival in Jamaica’s nine-year history.

“I’ve never seen a spectacle like that,” he said. “The energy at the corner of Trafalgar and Knutsford Blv’d. was unmatched, with exciting brand activations and a thrilling aerial stunt from Red Bull that elevated the celebration to new heights.”

JTB also noted significant improvements in event logistics, stating that, in contrast to 2024, when post-event litter drew public backlash, the clean-up following this year’s road parade was “swift and effective.”

“By early Monday morning, streets in the Corporate Area had been restored, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA),” JTB said.

Bankay praised the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for its critical role in ensuring public safety and maintaining order throughout the event.

“Our clean-up partners delivered excellence overnight, and the JCF deserves tremendous credit for keeping both revelers and spectators safe during what was a massive, high-energy celebration,” he said.

With another successful staging under its belt, JTB said carnival in Jamaica continues to solidify its role as “a powerful catalyst for economic growth, cultural expression, and tourism expansion.”