Bermuda vs Jamaica: A Tale of Two Island Tourism Giants in 2025
Current Tourism Performance
Jamaica has demonstrated remarkable tourism performance in 2025, welcoming approximately 2.3 million visitors and generating US$2.4 billion in earnings. Meanwhile, Bermuda is experiencing moderate growth with leisure air arrivals increasing by nearly 3% year-to-date, and visitors spending an average of $2,235 per person in the second quarter, contributing to a total spend of $134.9 million.
Economic Impact and Contribution
For Bermuda, tourism represents the second-largest industry, accounting for about 5% of GDP, while international business, primarily insurance and financial services, dominates with 85% of the island’s GDP. In contrast, Jamaica’s tourism sector has a more extensive economic footprint, driving 15% of construction, 10% of banking and finance, 20% of manufacturing, and 21% of utilities, agriculture, and fisheries. The sector has grown by 36% over the past 30 years, significantly outpacing the country’s total economic growth of 10%.
Growth Strategies and Future Outlook
Jamaica is pursuing an ambitious 5x5x5 growth strategy, targeting five million visitors and earnings of US$5 billion by 2025. The country has secured 1.6 million airline seats for the winter season, anticipating a 12.9% increase in visitors over the previous year, with expectations of a strong first quarter of 2025.
Bermuda faces some constraints in its growth, particularly with its largest hotel and conference facility closed, leaving the island with about 75% of its 2019 room inventory. However, hotel performance has improved in early 2025, with occupancy growing by 4% and average daily rates rising by 8.4%.
Challenges and Resilience
Jamaica continues to face challenges including low productivity and heavy reliance on tourism, though its economy is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2025, supported by key sectors like agriculture, mining, and construction. For Bermuda, challenges include the need to import almost everything, with agriculture and industry limited due to the small size of the island.
Tourist Demographics and Spending
Bermuda has seen a notable increase in family travel, with children under 17 visiting the island up nearly 10% year-on-year. The luxury travel sector is particularly strong, with a 17% increase in superyacht arrivals in the second quarter. Jamaica has shown resilience in recovering from setbacks including Hurricane Beryl and various geopolitical issues that previously affected travel, with the tourism minister confirming the country is back on a growth path.
