Catherine Zeta-Jones poses with a local Rastafarian
Jamaica is one of the safest countries in the world, despite being renowned for extreme violence in certain parts. Overall, tourists to the island leave with positive experiences which is why Jamaica has so many repeat visitors and is on course for another bumper tourism year.
In fact, Jamaica is measured as being as safe as New Zealand, Costa Rica and Cyprus according to the 2023 Global Law and Order Report by international analytics firm Gallup which is based in Washington DC.
The report gauges people’s sense of personal security and their own experiences with crime and law enforcement. Results are based on nationally representative, probability-based samples among adult populations, aged 15 and older, in 141 countries and territories throughout 2022.
Scoring 75 out of a maximum 100 points, Jamaica also ranked among the safest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean coming slightly ahead of Puerto Rico at 74, Brazil 73, Argentina 70, Mexico 66, Venezuela 66, the Dominican Republic 64, Peru 61 and Ecuador 59. Meanwhile, the US, the United Kingdom and Canada all scored 83 points. Topping the list was Tajikistan at 96; Finland 92 and Iceland also at 92.
Delano Seiveright, junior minister at Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, said: “The safety of every Jamaican and every visitor matters greatly. Notably, the crime rates against visitors remains extremely low, hovering at around 0.01 percent and already our visitor numbers are double digit percentages ahead of 2019 and 2022. Jamaica is a buzz like never before and millions have visited over the years without incident.”
Hollywood A-listers who have visited Jamaica this year include actress Angelina Jolie, spotted at the Calabash Literary Festival in Treasure Beach in May and Catherine Zeta-Jones and her husband Michael Douglas showing on her Instagram her time at Round Hill Villas and Resort outside Montego Bay in February.
Pop star Dua Lipa relaxed near Ocho Rios in St Mary on her Instagram in March. She mentioned some spots, which she recommended to those planning to visit. They included Jakes Treasure Beach Hotel, Kingston Dub Club, Boston Jerk Centre, Scotchies, and the Bob Marley Museum, which she said is an “unmissable experience on the site of the legendary musician’s home.”
Canadia’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, performers Burna Boy and Cardi B, fashion mogul Ralph Lauren and investment banking tycoon Stephen Shwartzman are some of many other celebs who visited the island this year.
Jamaica remains a huge favourite with black Americans who are one of the highest demographics of vacationers on the island.
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.