Jamaica’s tourism sector marked another step in its post–Hurricane Melissa recovery on Saturday with the launch of WestJet’s new direct flight from Québec City to Montego Bay. The weekly service, which began December 6, is being welcomed as both an expansion of Canada–Jamaica connectivity and a signal of renewed confidence in the island’s resilience.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said the route’s debut comes at a pivotal time for the sector, which has been working to restore key infrastructure and maintain visitor confidence following the Category Five hurricane’s impact on western Jamaica.
“The arrival of this new route from Québec City is more than just an expansion of airlift—it is a testament to Jamaica’s unwavering spirit and determination to emerge stronger from disruption,” Bartlett said. “Even as we continue to rebuild and restore our tourism infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa, the confidence shown by WestJet and the Canadian market reinforces that Jamaica remains the Caribbean’s premier destination.”
The Québec–Montego Bay connection supports Jamaica’s target of attracting 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generating US$750 million in tourism earnings by 2030. Bartlett highlighted the growth potential of the French-speaking market, noting that the direct link positions Jamaica to offer more immersive cultural and leisure experiences to Québec travellers.
“Canada has always been a vital partner in Jamaica’s tourism success, and this new route from Québec City demonstrates the strong ties between our nations,” he said. “This French market represents tremendous opportunity for growth, and we are committed to providing Québec travellers with authentic Jamaican experiences that will create lasting memories.”
Tourism officials say that beyond visitor arrivals, the new service will help drive trade, employment and cultural exchange. “This route will not only bring more visitors to Jamaica but will also facilitate trade, strengthen people-to-people connections, and create employment opportunities for Jamaicans,” Bartlett noted. “Tourism is the engine of our economy, and every new flight represents jobs, livelihoods, and hope for our people.”
WestJet’s launch follows the carrier’s integration of Sunwing’s network as part of its expanded winter 2025–2026 schedule for Québec. The weekly service offers travellers easy access to Montego Bay’s resort corridor and the island’s beaches, culture and hospitality.
“Hurricane Melissa tested us, but it did not break us. The arrival of this new WestJet service is proof that Jamaica is ready to welcome visitors to its shores,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada, added that the partnership with WestJet and Sunwing underscores Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts. “We are humbled that our partners, WestJet and Sunwing, remain confident in Jamaica’s ability to build back, and this reinforces the fact that Jamaica is open for business, and we are ready to welcome our Canadian visitors,” she said.
