MINISTER of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that Jamaica will have more airline seats out of Canada for the 2024/2025 winter season, with the increase ranging from 62 to 109 per cent and involving airline partners Sunwing, Flair, and Caribbean Airlines.

Sunwing will see a significant 62 per cent increase, moving from 12,852 to 20, 979 in Montreal, which reflects an additional 8,127 seats. In Ottawa there will be a 77 per cent increase with a move from 3,402 to 6,048, reflecting an additional 2,646 seats, the minister said.

The Toronto to Kingston route with Flair will see a 109 per cent increase that will move from 6,936 seats to 14, 505 seats, and Caribbean Airlines will increase seats from 8,320 to 12,000. This represents a 44 per cent increase.

“This increase in seats over what is gearing up to be a busy winter season is a testament to the confidence our partners have and the demand for the destination. As our second source market, we are strategically engaging our tourism partners to grow arrivals to 500,000 by 2025 — and this announcement perfectly aligns with our goals,” said Bartlett.

“Airlift continues to be a critical strategic focus in increasing arrivals to Jamaica, and we are grateful for our airline partners who see the value in adding seats over this busy period. Jamaica remains attractive and top of mind as a destination,” added Director of Tourism Donovan White.

Jamaica is projected to welcome over 4.2 million total arrivals and bring in US$4.3 million in earnings this year.