One of Jamaica’s long standing airline partners, JetBlue, has announced that by July 2022 they will have 40 percent more seats operating between the United States and Montego Bay compared to July 2019, well before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement follows a meeting led by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, his senior leadership and top JetBlue Executives at their New York City headquarters.
“We continue to see positive signs of a strong recovery for Jamaica’s tourism and more seats mean more arrivals which ultimately will give us more earnings for the country. Jamaica is perhaps the most connected destination in the region, and this has helped us to attract more visitors. We have been focused and always looking ahead even in the midst of the worst of the pandemic. We are now reaping the rewards.” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
JetBlue is one of the largest carriers in the United States and has been an airline partner for Jamaica for over ten years.
“We are grateful for our partners like JetBlue who will be integral in our recovery strategy, so this is very good news for the destination. JetBlue has reinforced its partnership with Jamaica as a core part of its Caribbean operations. The airline also welcomed the lifting of pre arrival COVID testing and travel authorization which it says has helped with the increase in interest in Jamaica.” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica.
About The Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
In 2021, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 14th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded four gold 2021 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’; as well as a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 10th time. In 2020, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 ‘Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
