Jamaica Achieves Record 22% Increase in Canadian Airlift for Winter 2025/26 Season with New Gateway Cities
Jamaica has proudly reported a notable **22% increase in airline capacity from Canada** for the upcoming winter 2025/26 season, translating into an additional **70,448 seats** compared to last winter. This monumental growth solidifies Jamaica’s status as the top Caribbean destination for Canadians seeking an idyllic winter escape.
The total capacity will leap to **364,213 seats** for the winter 2025/26 season, up from 293,765 in 2024/25. This marks the **largest year-over-year increase** in Jamaican tourism history. Starting in December 2025, travelers can expect new routes from **Quebec City**, **Ottawa**, and **Halifax**, enhancing accessibility to the island.
These new connections supplement existing routes from established cities, including **Toronto**, **Montreal**, **Calgary**, **Edmonton**, **Winnipeg**, **Moncton**, and **St. John**. “This historic increase in Canadian airlift goes beyond mere numbers; it confirms Jamaica’s irresistible allure and the solid partnerships with Canadian airlines,” noted Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “The introduction of new gateways will greatly enhance our outreach to previously underserved Canadian markets, further benefiting Jamaica’s tourism sector economically.”
Leading this expansion are key airline partners demonstrating their confidence in the Jamaican travel market. “The substantial boost reflects the industry’s strong belief in Jamaica’s tourism recovery and growth potential, especially in response to the high demand for Caribbean travel,” explained Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “We anticipate that this expanded winter schedule, running from November through April 25/26, will coincide perfectly with the influx of Canadian travelers escaping the harsh winter conditions.”
“With Canada as our second-largest source market, this expansion is a strategic move,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada at Jamaica Tourist Board. “Our goal is to attract **500,000 Canadian visitors by 2025**, and we’re actively engaging with tourism partners to achieve this.”
Jamaica’s Cultural and Cinematic Appeal Featured at the Prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has partnered with the **Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)** to elevate Jamaica’s visibility as a leading film production destination and vibrant cultural tourism hub. This alliance aims to leverage TIFF’s esteemed international platform, showcasing Jamaica’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning film industry to audiences worldwide.
“Collaborating with TIFF represents a remarkable intersection of Jamaica’s tourism and **creative industries**,” stated Donovan White. “Through cinema, we’re not just promoting travel to Jamaica, but also celebrating our cultural authenticity and creative talent on a global stage.”
From September 5-8, Jamaica was prominently featured, with strong branding initiatives and trip giveaways designed to enhance consumer engagement. This strategic approach aims to position Jamaica as a prime choice for international film productions. “Our collaboration emphasizes Jamaica’s cultural depth and artistic heritage, diversifying our tourism offerings and reinforcing our place in the global creative economy,” explained Angella Bennett.
In addition to TIFF, Jamaica has successfully hosted events such as the **Black River Film Festival** and is gearing up for the upcoming **Skylark Film Festival**. This partnership signals the anticipation of increased visibility within the international filmmaking community, ultimately broadening Jamaica’s appeal to both filmmakers and cultural tourists alike. The collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to destination marketing, showcasing Jamaica’s natural beauty alongside its vibrant creative industries.
The Jamaica Tourist Board remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships aimed at positioning the island as an authentic cultural tourism destination, transcending the traditional image of a sun-and-sand getaway.
