Record Air Passenger Arrivals Show Strength of Tourism Recovery

• Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the 7,000 airline passengers, who arrived at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in St. James on December 11, is a prelude of what is to come for the winter season. 
• This was a single day record since the reopening of air travel on June 15, 2020, and Minister Bartlett noted that tourism is rebounding and showing signs of its former strength. Such a large number of air passengers into Jamaica’s largest airport in just one day is a clear indication that demand for Jamaica’s tourism product remains strong. 
• A total of 52 flights from commercial, charter and private aircraft landed at SIA on December 11. Minister Bartlett said that to meet the higher demand for Jamaica, American Airlines recently upgraded the aircraft utilised on flights to Montego Bay from its major city hubs of Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Philadelphia. 
• Based on feedback from several of Jamaica’s key international tourism partners, the country is progressing well on its path to recovery and expects to welcome approximately 1.5Mn visitors this year. This is largely due to the success of the comprehensive JAMAICA CARES programme, which ensures that travelers feel safe and confident in choosing our island for their visits. 
• There has also been an increase in cruise arrivals and that 90% of all planned tourist investments remain on track. Furthermore, the minister said that barring the unforeseen, the sector is set to recover faster than anyone would have predicted 12 months ago. Notwithstanding, the Omicron COVID-19 variant, which is spreading in Jamaica’s key source markets, remains a threat to the anticipated performance of the sector.

(Source: JIS News & NCBCM Research)