KINGSTON, Jamaica, Nov 4, CMC – Jamaica, which has during the period, January to August, welcomed more than two million visitors, says it is gearing up for a strong winter travel season with expanded air connectivity and the reopening of major resorts.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) said that the island has earned US$2.5 billion during the eight month period this year, and that new and increased airlift service from the United States, Canada and Latin America, coupled with the continued restoration of Jamaica’s hotel inventory, marks another significant step forward in the destination’s recovery following 2025’s Hurricane Melissa.
“We are looking forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to Jamaica this winter season,” said Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, adding that “the continued confidence of our international airline partners, coupled with the reopening of our hotels and ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, reflects the strength of Jamaica’s recovery.
“We remain committed to expanding connectivity, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring that tourism growth continues to benefit communities across the island,” Bartlett said.
The JTB said that Breeze Airways in the United States has introduced twice-weekly service from Tampa, while Canadian carrier Porter Airlines is adding nearly 5,000 seats for the winter season through new nonstop routes to Montego Bay from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.
Air Canada is also serving Jamaica from Halifax, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg, providing additional options for Canadian travelers.
It said that the destination is also strengthening connections with Latin America. Copa Airlines has expanded service from Panama, operating 10 weekly flights to Montego Bay and five weekly flights to Kingston. Colombian carrier Wingo introduced year-round service in 2026, with three weekly flights each from Bogotá and Medellín, further expanding Jamaica’s reach in the region.
The JTB said that there are a number of activities this month including Annie’s Revenge golf tournament followed by the Reggae Marathon in December.
“Jamaica’s appeal extends well beyond our beaches and resorts,” said the JTB’s director of tourism, Donovan White.
“From our music and culinary heritage to the warmth of our people and the experiences found throughout the island, Jamaica continues to offer travelers compelling reasons to visit. With expanded air access and more accommodations welcoming guests, we look forward to sharing all that Jamaica has to offer this winter.”
The JTB said that the expansion in airlift comes as Jamaica continues to restore its hotel inventory ahead of the winter season.
It said more than 75 per cent of the island’s room inventory is currently operational, with 9 per cent projected to be available by December 1, this year and that additional properties are scheduled to reopen throughout the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027.
“Behind every hotel reopening are Jamaican team members eager to welcome guests and local businesses ready to reconnect with visitors,” said JTB’s deputy director of tourism, Philip Rose, adding “as more properties welcome guests this winter, we look forward to sharing the warmth and personal hospitality that keep travelers coming back to Jamaica.”
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