Jamaica sees strong demand ahead of winter travel season
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica is anticipating a strong winter tourism season, supported by expanded air service from North America and Latin America and the reopening of hotels recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
- The island welcomed more than 2 million visitors and generated US$2.5 billion in tourism earnings between January and August 2026, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
- New and expanded airline services from the United States, Canada and Latin America are expected to improve access to the destination as the peak winter travel period approaches.
- Meanwhile, the continued restoration of hotel inventory is increasing accommodation options for visitors.
- “We are looking forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to Jamaica this winter season,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said.
Jamaica is anticipating a strong winter tourism season, supported by expanded air service from North America and Latin America and the reopening of hotels recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
The island welcomed more than 2 million visitors and generated US$2.5 billion in tourism earnings between January and August 2026, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
New and expanded airline services from the United States, Canada and Latin America are expected to improve access to the destination as the peak winter travel period approaches. Meanwhile, the continued restoration of hotel inventory is increasing accommodation options for visitors.
“We are looking forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to Jamaica this winter season,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said. He added that continued support from international airline partners, hotel reopenings and investments in tourism infrastructure reflect the progress of the island's recovery.
In the United States, Breeze Airways has introduced twice-weekly service from Tampa. Canadian carrier Porter Airlines is adding nearly 5,000 seats for the winter season through new nonstop routes to Montego Bay from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.
Air Canada is also providing service to Jamaica from Halifax, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg, offering additional options for Canadian travelers.
Connections with Latin America have also expanded. Copa Airlines now operates 10 weekly flights to Montego Bay and five to Kingston from Panama, while Colombian carrier Wingo introduced year-round service in 2026, with three weekly flights each from Bogota and Medellin.
Beyond expanded air connectivity, Jamaica is promoting its cultural and sporting calendar as part of its winter tourism offering. Upcoming events include the Annie's Revenge golf tournament in November and the Reggae Marathon in December.
Visitors can also experience the island's music, cuisine, outdoor activities and cultural attractions, which tourism officials say remain central to its appeal.
“Jamaica's appeal extends well beyond our beaches and resorts,” said Donovan White, director of tourism at the JTB. He pointed to the island's music and culinary heritage, as well as its people and cultural experiences, as reasons for travelers to visit.
Hotel availability is also expected to improve ahead of the busy season. More than 75% of Jamaica's room inventory is currently operational, with the figure projected to reach 90% by Dec. 1, 2026.
Additional properties are scheduled to reopen through the remainder of the year and into early 2027. Among those expected to welcome guests again for the winter season are Coyaba Beach Resort, Sandals South Coast, Bahia Principe Explore Runaway Bay and JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar.
“Behind every hotel reopening are Jamaican team members eager to welcome guests and local businesses ready to reconnect with visitors,” said Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism at the JTB. He said the return of more properties would help restore the hospitality experience that continues to attract visitors to the island.
