New Jamaican president Andrew Holness has outlined plans to create 20,000 tourism jobs in the coming years as part of a multi-million investment in the sector.

A total of 15,825 new hotel rooms are also expected to be added to the Caribbean island’s stock, with approximately $60 billion in capital investment expected.

Speaking at the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association 50th anniversary gala banquet at the Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Montego Bay, Holness also reflected on a successful year.

The Prime Minister said, despite the instability of the international financial market, tourism in Jamaica continues to grow; with the sector emerging as the largest foreign exchange earner and is an increasingly significant source of employment.

He noted, while the country has a solid product and is seen as the top brand in the region, winning the Caribbean’s Leading Destination title for the sixth consecutive year at the recent World Travel Awards was tremendously beneficial.