Jamaica now ranks as the second fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean for the first time in at least five years, according to data analysed by the Financial Gleaner.

Its growth was only bettered by St Maarten among 20 regional nations, including Mexico. It resulted in 625,000 cruise arrivals to Jamaica over the first six months of 2011 or 13.9 per cent higher than year-earlier levels, according to data analysed from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association President Evelyn Smith said growth likely came at the expense of other islands. Specifically, Jamaica’s growth far outpaces the projected growth for the region, she said. The World Tourism Organization, an agency of the United Nations, projected tourism arrival growth at five per cent for the Caribbean in 2011. Continue