Jamaica Eyes 20,000 New Hotel Rooms as Bartlett Moves to Protect Airlift

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is preparing to grow its hotel inventory by another 20,000 rooms.

Bartlett also signalled that a possible arrangement could deliver a major increase in arrivals, although he said discussions are still at an early stage. He said Jamaica has strong prospects and could secure engagement capable of adding at least three million to four million visitors a year above current levels.

The minister also disclosed that several airlines have expressed interest in taking up capacity left open by budget carrier Spirit. Last month, Spirit ended its operations, citing higher jet fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Bartlett said he expects to meet soon with airlines that have shown interest. He said he will travel to New York next week for detailed talks with airline partners aimed at protecting Jamaica's airlift. While he did not identify the carriers, he said one airline he plans to meet in New York has already moved to help fill the gap.

According to Bartlett, Jamaica had stood to lose about 40,000 seats from Spirit's pullout, but those seats have now been taken up. He said the country should not be hurt by the change.

Spirit was unable to obtain a US$500 million emergency bailout from the United States Government.