Media WriterContinuing the strong rebound of its tourism sector, Jamaica welcomed a total of seven thousand air passengers arriving into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) last Saturday. This is a new record number of air arrivals to the airport in one day since reopening the island’s borders in June 2020.
“Receiving such a large number of air passengers into our largest airport in just one day is a clear indication that demand for Jamaica’s tourism product remains strong,” said Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “As predicted based on feedback from several of our key international tourism partners, we are progressing well on our path to recovery and expect to welcome approximately 1.5 million visitors this year. This is largely due to the success of our comprehensive JAMAICA CARES program that ensures travelers feel safe and confident in choosing our island for their visits.”
On Saturday, Jamaica received a total of 52 flights from commercial, charter and private aircraft into Montego Bay (MBJ). Commercial airlines that landed represented nearly all carriers flying into the destination and included: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Jet Blue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit, and Sun Country from the U.S. as well as Air Canada, Air Transat, West Jet, Sunwing, Swoop and West Jet from Canada. Most flights also arrived with strong load factors.
To meet the higher demand for Jamaica, American Airlines recently up gauged the aircraft utilized on flights to Montego Bay (MBJ) from their major city hubs of Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), and Philadelphia (PHL). As of November, the carrier is utilizing their new wide-bodied Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for these operations. Other tourism partners that had noted increased demand for Jamaica in the near-term included Southwest Airlines, Expedia, and Amadeus.
Jamaica remains open for travel and continues to welcome visitors safely. Its health and safety protocols were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels recognition that allowed the destination to safely reopen to travel in June 2020. The island has also recently announced new cruise developments and ninety percent of planned tourist investments remaining on track.
For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.
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 in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
This year, the JTB was declared the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 14th consecutive year and Jamaica was named 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, Jamaica was named the WTA’s ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination,’ the ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ and the ‘World’s Leading Family Destination.’ Also 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.
