The Bolt-inspired Jamaican team won a record 13 medals, including seven gold, at the World Championships, which concluded in Berlin on Sunday, finishing second overall in the medals table behind the United States.

The performances of Bolt, who won three gold medals, breaking his own world records in the 100 and 200 metres, and his sparkling personality consolidated his position as one of the world's most recognisable and popular sports stars.

The free publicity Jamaica has received as a result is worth hundreds of million dollars, Government officials have estimated and they now plan to cash in.

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, said: "The last nine days has proven beyond doubt that the power of sport can redefine a nation’s world-wide perception and the natural synergies can revolutionise a destination’s travel and tourism industry.

"Jamaica has successfully utilised the relationships we have with our partners and stakeholders here, including tour operators TUI and sportswear giants Puma [who sponsor Bolt and the Jamaican team], and the power of our elite athletes to revolutionise the nation’s brand and to drive future tourism growth.

"We are anticipating very rich rewards."

Air Jamaica has already launched its "Celebrating Gold" sale, offering American tourists the opportunity "to visit the homeland of world-famous sprinter Usain Bolt, world’s fastest man; Shelly-Ann Fraser, world’s fastest woman; and the rest of Team Jamaica who collectively claimed the second highest medal count in Berlin".

George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s senior director of global sales, said: "As Jamaica’s national carrier, we want to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of our athletes, and make it easier for travelers to visit Jamaica and celebrate."