Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said the upgrade by the US of Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2 is a particularly meaningful development.

Stewart said it’s a powerful affirmation of what travellers, travel advisors, and the people of Jamaica have always known.

“Jamaica is one of the safest, most vibrant, and genuinely welcoming destinations on earth. What makes this island unforgettable is its people, their warmth, resilience, and deep pride in sharing their culture and home,” he said.

This renewed guidance, he said, plays an important role in restoring global confidence. “As always, we look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world with open arms,” Stewart said in a message to the government that was made public at a special post-Cabinet press conference late Thursday.

The press conference followed the upgrade.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, noted that the update—issued by the U.S. State Department on May 29—places Jamaica in the same travel advisory category as several larger and more developed countries, including Dublin, Panama, Spain, the UK, Germany, and others.

“They’re all at Level 2, so we are in good company. This improvement is a timely acknowledgement of Jamaica’s continued progress in enhancing public safety, as well as the travel experience for visitors. The improved level acknowledges even lower risk levels for visitors because you would recall that we have shared previously that Jamaica is rated as one of, if not the, safest resort locations in the entire Latin American Caribbean region, with a Gallup rating of 0.01 per cent,” Smith said.

The foreign affairs minister expressed that this is something to be celebrated, as these advisories are a US government tool for advising their citizens. They provide public guidance and are reviewed regularly.

“I wish to acknowledge our appreciation of the continued positive diplomatic engagement that we’ve been able to undertake with our US partners, and we remain committed to working through the challenges with them together,” she continued.

Smith further stated that the Holness administration has been working hard to make Jamaica safer for everyone, particularly in supporting the security forces.

“We have tripled our investment in our security forces, focused on more recruitment and better equipment, better technology, better training, better intelligence, and a deeper focus on strategy, as well as our focus on violence prevention and the softer side, the social side. So, as all of Jamaica reaps these benefits, so too will our visitors, and so we’re pleased by and truly welcome this additional recognition of progress.”