Minister Bartlett outlines Jamaica’s Bold Aviation Expansion, $5 Billion Room Investment and CTO Air Connectivity Summit at CHTA 2026
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has announced a series of major developments for the island’s tourism sector at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026. These include the launch of new direct airline routes into Montego Bay; a $5 billion room investment, and the staging of a Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston in February 2027.
The announcements come as Jamaica reports over one million visitors and approximately $956 million in foreign exchange earnings in the first quarter of 2026 alone — a powerful demonstration of the island’s resilience just six months after Hurricane Melissa.
Multiple airline partners are expanding service to Jamaica in response to sustained traveler demand, which will boost access to the island. Porter Airlines will launch direct non-stop flights into Montego Bay from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa, and Hamilton, which adds nearly 5,000 additional seats for the winter season. “Every new route supports jobs. Every additional seat supports small businesses. Every flight creates an economic ripple effect that extends far beyond the airport,” said Minister Bartlett. “These announcements reflect the extraordinary confidence that airlines and investors continue to place in Destination Jamaica.”
Visit Jamaica | The best music, food, vistas and vibes for your perfect vacation
Discover the beauty of Jamaica with its fascinating culture, stunning beaches and lush landscapes. Experience our warm Jamaican hospitality, vibrant reggae music, sumptuous cuisine, thrilling adventures and good vibes all around. Plan your perfect Jamaican vacation now and come back to your best self in Jamaica.
Further airlift growth includes increased service from Latin America through Wingo and continued expansion from the United Kingdom with Virgin Atlantic, reinforcing Jamaica’s connectivity across its key and emerging source markets.
Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (2nd L) pauses for a photo opportunity following Jamaica’s press conference on Thursday May 14, 2026, at CHTA Marketplace in Antigua and Barbuda. Joining at the moment are (LR) Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Mrs. Donna Regis-Prosper, Secretary General of the CTO and Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
Jamaica has a development pipeline of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms slated for delivery over the next 5 to 10 years, representing an estimated investment of $5 billion. Key projects include The Pinnacle, a landmark residential and hospitality development, along with the continued evolution of the Rose Hall Tourism Development Corridor.
“This is not incremental growth — this is transformational investment in Jamaica’s tourism future. We are building a tourism ecosystem that includes large resorts, boutique hotels, gastronomy, wellness, music, and adventure. Because today’s traveler is looking for experiences that are meaningful and memorable — and Jamaica delivers that naturally,” said the Minister.
The summit is designed to provide strategic insights for regional aviation planning and to strengthen Jamaica’s air links across global markets, bringing together airline partners, government stakeholders, and tourism leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond.
The announcements are backed by strong first-quarter results. Jamaica recorded year-to-date visitor growth of 25 percent from Latin America and 7 percent from Asia, reflecting the success of the island’s market diversification strategy. Cruise tourism also strengthened, with 591,861 cruise visitors arriving between January and April 2026, an increase over the same period in 2025.
Jamaica’s tourism momentum is further supported by a strong cultural presence on the global stage. Earlier in 2026, the American morning television show, the TODAY show, broadcast live from Jamaica, reaching millions of viewers across the United States.
“Jamaica’s cultural influence extends far beyond our geographic size. Earlier this year, millions of viewers across the United States experienced the vibrancy of our island through the TODAY show’s live broadcasts from Jamaica, while audiences around the world continue to connect with us through the power of our music and culture. Whether it is on television screens or at festivals thousands of miles away, every moment of global visibility becomes an invitation for people to experience Jamaica for themselves,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
Jamaica’s events calendar also continues to serve as a powerful year-round driver of visitation, featuring the Lost in TimeFestival, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, Carnival in Jamaica, and the internationally celebrated Reggae Sumfest.
“The story of Jamaica over the last several months has not been a story of disruption alone,” Minister Bartlett said. “It has been a story of resilience, partnership, and innovation. Our mission is to build a tourism industry that is more resilient and more deeply connected to the people it serves. The future of tourism will belong to destinations that innovate boldly while protecting authenticity — and Jamaica is committed to leading that future,” he added.
