The economy saw an 11.8 per cent increase in foreign national arrivals.

The Jamaican economy grew by 0.8 per cent when compared to the third quarter of 2016, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

The increase was attributed to improved performances in both the services industries which grew 1.0 per cent, and the goods-producing industries, 0.3 per cent.

According to Statin, all industries within the services industries recorded increased levels of output: electricity and water supply (2.4 per cent), hotels and restaurants (3.9 per cent), transport, storage and communication (1.1 per cent).

Real estate, renting and business activities wholesale and retail trade; repairs; installation of machinery and equipment; finance and insurance services; producers of government services and other services also recorded increases of 0.6 per cent, 0.6 per cent, 0.9 per cent, 0.1 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively.

The report noted that the growth in the hotels and restaurants industry was influenced by an improvement in hotels and short-stay accommodation and restaurants, bars and canteens.

However, while there was an 11.8 per cent increase in foreign national arrivals, the growth in accommodation services was tempered by a decline in the average length of stay in hotels and short-stay accommodation. The average length of stay fell to 8.6 nights in 2017 from 9.1 nights in 2016.

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