Bartlett cites new Caribbean airlift as hotels rebuild after Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica’s tourism industry is still drawing fresh airline capacity even though the summer season has been softer than expected, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told TVJ News this week.

Bartlett outlined several new services. Colombian carrier Wingo is adding three weekly flights from Medellín, lifting Colombia–Jamaica frequency to six. Copa Airlines is introducing additional services into Montego Bay. Porter Airlines has launched a new Canadian route serving multiple points. Aeroméxico plans to start flying from Mexico City to Montego Bay in December.

"We're getting new flights out of Colombia. Wingo is adding three flights weekly from Medellín to make six flights from Colombia. Copa is adding new flights into Montego Bay. Porter has brought new flight from Canada covering a number of destinations. We're seeing Aeroméxico now planning to inaugurate the flight from Mexico City to Montego Bay in December of this year," Bartlett said.

His remarks come as major hotels continue large-scale repairs after Hurricane Melissa damaged properties across the island. At the same time, international hotel brands are advancing projects that are expected to add thousands of rooms over the next several years.

Bartlett said the new airlift reflects airline faith in the rebound. "We are seeing that the airline partners are showing the confidence because they are seeing the recovery happening and that's a message that I really want to give today is that the recovery is happening. It is happening strong and when I visit these hotels that are now under refurbishing they are coming out better at a higher standard," he said.