Jamaica’s tourism sector is celebrating a major milestone this summer, with unprecedented airlift connectivity from Latin America contributing to a surge in visitor arrivals and wider economic benefits across the island.
According to Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Delano Seiveright, the push to expand into high-growth regions is producing clear results.
“This summer, Jamaica has reached a remarkable new level of connectivity with Latin America,” Seiveright told JIS News. “Copa Airlines and LATAM Airlines now offer over 10,000 seats per month into Jamaica, marking a significant achievement in our efforts to diversify and strengthen our tourism industry.”
Copa Airlines has expanded its service with seven weekly flights into Montego Bay and five into Kingston, creating more travel options from Latin America. Meanwhile, LATAM Airlines continues to operate non-stop flights between Lima, Peru, and Jamaica, directly linking the island to one of South America’s major markets.
Seiveright said while traditional markets remain vital, diversification is key to tourism resilience. “Expanding into high-growth regions like Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East is a critical part of our strategic vision,” he noted. “These efforts not only increase visitor arrivals but also support local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to craft producers and transportation providers.”
In addition to scheduled services, Jamaica is welcoming an increase in chartered flights from Ecuador, which are expected to bring more than 1,000 visitors to the island this summer. These direct charters reflect the Government’s broader strategy to tap into emerging markets and extend Jamaica’s global tourism footprint.
The growing number of visitors from Latin America is already delivering economic dividends. Local shops, restaurants, transportation services, and accommodations are seeing higher foot traffic, creating new income opportunities for Jamaicans.
“Every additional visitor means more income for our people, more opportunities for local artisans, and more vibrancy in our communities,” Seiveright said. “Our aggressive airlift strategy is delivering measurable results, and we are committed to maintaining this momentum going forward.”
He added that the Ministry is focused on building partnerships, improving infrastructure, and leveraging targeted marketing campaigns to attract even more travelers.
“Our goal is simple – to make Jamaica an accessible, welcoming, and must-visit destination for travellers from all over the world. This summer’s achievements prove that we are on the right track, and we look forward to building on this success to benefit our people and our economy,” Seiveright said.
