Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced plans to engage with major international airlines, including Emirates and Saudi Airlines, to increase airlift to Jamaica and expand the island’s reach into untapped global markets.
Addressing the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) appreciation breakfast at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Minister Bartlett emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing air service agreements to solidify Jamaica’s position as a leading aviation hub in the Caribbean.
“What that gives us the opportunity to do now is to negotiate with the big airlines of the world… because that’s the next big frontier for tourism,” he stated.
Minister Bartlett highlighted the growing number of regional carriers such as Bahamasair, Caribbean Airways, and Cayman Airways, which are crucial to improving connectivity within the Caribbean.
“Jamaica can really buzz as the aviation centre of the Caribbean,” he said, underscoring efforts to expand connections to regional destinations.
Record-breaking winter season
As Jamaica’s winter tourist season commenced on December 15, preliminary data points to what Minister Bartlett described as “the best winter season on record.” The country has secured 178,000 additional airline seats this season, reflecting growth across all major markets.
This includes:
- United States: 74,000 additional seats
- Canada: 78,000 additional seats (a 35% increase from last winter)
- United Kingdom: 338 additional seats
- Caribbean: Over 1,000 additional seats
Minister Bartlett praised the evolving dynamics at NMIA, noting that more than half of the passengers passing through are now tourists staying at hotels across the island.
“We are witnessing remarkable growth, and with strengthened partnerships with global and regional airlines, Jamaica is poised to set new records in tourism,” he added.
This initiative aligns with Jamaica’s broader strategy to enhance its global connectivity and attract new visitors while maintaining its status as a premier travel destination.
