As a hotspot for global travelers, Jamaica continues to shine in the competitive world of tourism. From September to December of this year, the island nation is poised to welcome approximately 140,000 more inbound seats from U.S. airlines.
This influx represents a notable 19 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2022 and an 18 per cent increase over 2019 statistics.
Jamaica and U.S. airlines partnership
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Jamaica noted that this added capacity is a testament to the appeal of the island’s tourism product “as well as the excellent relationships we enjoy with our U.S. airline partners.”
“They clearly have confidence that we can fill these seats as we are now surpassing 2019 stopover arrivals and on track for a full recovery in those annual figures for 2023,” he added.
More on Jamaica’s tourism
- Jamaica tourism arrivals for October surpass pre-pandemic levels
- Bahamas and Jamaica announce new tourism partnership
- Jamaica Tourism Board launches small inns and hotels program
- Jamaica’s minister of tourism announces one million visitor arrivals to date for 2023
Mapping the growth: Key airlines and routes
The most significant contributions to this increase come from a handful of U.S.-based airlines.
American Airlines is extending its service from both Dallas and Chicago, and adding more flights from Charlotte.
United Airlines is also stepping up with extended service from Chicago, a higher frequency of flights from New Jersey, and introducing a new route from Denver.
Moreover, Southwest Airlines is increasing the number of flights from Baltimore and Orlando, while also launching a new service from Kansas City.
The Jamaica Tourist Board has expressed gratitude to all carriers enhancing their service to Jamaica.
“As we return tourism arrivals to growth, new routes, larger planes and more available seats from our valued airline partners are critical to achieving that goal,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board.
“We are very grateful to all carriers that have increased service to Jamaica and look forward to continuing to work together throughout the years.”
U.S. travelers: The dominant demographic
In a testament to Jamaica’s appeal in the American market, the U.S. accounts for 1.2 million of the 1.4 million airline seats secured for the summer travel season.
This marks a 16 per cent increase over Jamaica’s previous record year in 2019.
The United States continues to be Jamaica’s primary source of visitors, comprising roughly 75 per cent of total arrivals to the island.
