Tourist arrivals up by air, land, and sea

And while incumbent politicians and concerned citizens may be hoping for an economic miracle, the most likely candidate is the seemingly miraculous tourism industry. Latest statistics from the B.T.B. indicate a just under five percent increase in total tourist arrivals for the first quarter of 2005, with arrivals at the Philip Goldson International Airport jumping an amazing twelve point four percent for the same period. Cruise arrivals continue to climb with a thirty-six percent increase from January through March when compared to 2004. These impressive numbers should be reflected positively in the budget equation, particularly since the raising of the hotel tax from seven to nine percent effective April first.