In an attempt to widen the scope of Jamaica’s reach in the tourism market, there have been many discussions and plans to make Jamaica more accessible from more destinations.

That effort has borne new fruit as the island welcomed its inaugural flight from Kansas City, Missouri.

Over 100 passengers and crew arrived on the island on Saturday, October 7, on Southwest Airlines’ first non-stop flight into Montego Bay.

Several tourism officials, including the Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, were present to greet the visitors. Speaking at the welcome ceremony held at the Sangsters’ International Airport, the minister expressed gratitude and appreciation for the new service.

He noted, “The excitement of the passengers was amazing. This flight brings to the reality of how connected Jamaica as a destination is in the United States. We cover 18 gateways that connect us to over 100 cities across the US.”

Bartlett also noted that with the tourism ministry’s push to expand inventory by 2000 rooms, this new service will be aiding in Jamaica’s attempt to reach over three million visitors next year.

Director of Tourism Donovan White was also present and gave his thoughts on the new development. “This new flight to Montego Bay is symbolic of the great things to come for the tourism industry. We have achieved a lot so far, and we look forward to additional flights that will help us to reach Minister Bartlett’s projected target of five million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025,” he noted.

He also welcomed the visitors and expressed his gratitude for them choosing Jamaica as their destination.
The airline will now offer non-stop weekly flights from Kansas City to the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The push to expand Jamaica’s access to more cities worldwide is set to assist Bartlett’s projected revenue target from the increased number of expected visitors.

Jamaica is projected to welcome 3.88 million visitors for 2023, with estimated earnings of US$4.2 billion.