Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) has welcomed the arrival of the USS Nimitz to Jamaica, describing the visit as an important opportunity to showcase the island’s tourism product while generating economic activity for local businesses and service providers.

The aircraft carrier docked at the Port of Kingston on Monday, June 1, bringing thousands of United States Navy personnel to the island as part of the Southern Seas 2026 Goodwill Tour. The visit is also being recognised as a symbol of the longstanding friendship between Jamaica and the United States.

Through its cruise tourism mandate, JAMVAC worked with local partners to welcome the vessel and support organised tours and excursions for the sailors, who are expected to explore attractions, restaurants, shopping districts, cultural sites, and entertainment experiences during their stay.

Joy Roberts, Executive Director, Jamaica Vacations Limited, said the visit holds strong tourism and economic value for Jamaica, particularly because many sailors will have the opportunity to engage directly with the destination.

“The arrival of the USS Nimitz serves as an opportunity for Jamaica to extend its world-famous hospitality to thousands of visitors, while creating real economic opportunities for transport operators, tour companies, attractions, restaurants, craft vendors, and other local businesses,” Roberts said.

She noted that every visitor interaction has the potential to deliver both immediate and long-term value for the country.

“When sailors disembark, take a tour, purchase a meal, visit an attraction, or buy a locally made product, the benefits move through the tourism value chain. At the same time, every positive experience becomes a story that is shared with family, friends, and communities overseas. That kind of destination exposure is extremely valuable,” Roberts added.

The USS Nimitz, the lead ship of its class, is one of the world’s largest aircraft carriers and has been recognised as the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the history of the United States Navy. Its visit to Jamaica, therefore, carries historical, diplomatic, and tourism significance.

Roberts said JAMVAC remains focused on positioning Jamaica as a preferred and memorable destination for cruise passengers, crew members, and international travel partners.

“Jamaica offers culture, music, food, adventure, history, and the warmth of our people. Visits such as this allow us to showcase Kingston and the wider destination in a meaningful way,” she said.

She also commended the collaboration among public- and private-sector partners, including port officials, tour operators, transport providers, attractions, and security stakeholders, whose efforts helped support the visit.

“We are pleased to welcome the officers and crew of the USS Nimitz to Jamaica, and we are proud to help ensure that their time here reflects the best of our island,” Roberts said.