Stopover visitor arrivals have increased by more than 6.4 per cent or more than 32,000 for the three month period May 1 to August 7 when compared with the same period last year, according to Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill.

Dr. McNeill said that based on preliminary figures stopover arrivals for the three-month period totalled 539,957.

During the same period last year, there were 507,298 stopover arrivals, the Ministry said in a release.

Dr. McNeill said the Ministry remains focused on ensuring that the tourism sector drives growth within the Jamaican economy.

“This increase will certainly allow players in the industry to remain optimistic that the tourism sector is poised for further growth in 2012 and will provide a welcome boost to the economy,” he added.

The Minister said that one of the key factors contributing to the growth this year was “superb, aggressive marketing.”

He added that “our promotional team continues to work in the traditional and emerging markets as we seek to increase our share in our main source markets, while opening up new doors.”

business@gleanerjm.com