Jamaica increases north coast arrivals

Jamaica is getting a wave of new airlift for the upcoming winter tourist season, particularly on the north coast.

The island has secured almost 80,000 new air seats for the period to meet increased demand from travellers. Most of those seats are coming from the north-eastern United States, with more than 64,000 additional seats, largely out of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

That includes United Airlines’ increased frequency from Newark to Montego Bay, along with American Airlines’ increase in service to Montego Bay from Philadelphia, among others.

Jamaica has been seeing a surge in tourism arrivals so far this year, with more than two million stayover visitors up to the end of September.

That represents a 9.1 percent increase over the same period in 2018, Jamaica’s highest arrival growth rate in years.

That’s been buoyed by strong growth out of the US source market, which has sent 13.5 percent more travellers to Jamaica in the period.

“We’re pleased with the growing demand for travel options to Jamaica, and the increased airlift makes the destination even more accessible for winter travellers,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism.