Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, says the Holness-led Government is keeping a sharp focus on international geo-political developments while moving decisively to ensure Jamaica remains ahead in a time of global volatility and shifting economic dynamics.

Speaking to a group of business leaders at the prestigious NCB Connect Luncheon in Montego Bay last Thursday (May 15), Seiveright emphasized that Prime Minister Andrew Holness and portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett and other leading members are “carefully watching every global shift” and working to secure Jamaica’s long-term advantage in tourism and the broader economy.

“In a world marked by inflation shocks, geopolitical instability, climate risks, and emerging new markets, the Government is moving with urgency and clarity to ensure that Jamaica doesn’t just survive, but thrives,” Seiveright declared. “Minister Bartlett has consistently emphasised that agility, innovation and market diversification are non-negotiable, and that’s exactly the strategy we are executing.”

Latin America growth a major success story

Senator Seiveright hailed the significant gains made in the Latin American market as a direct result of the Ministry’s airlift and market diversification strategy. “Jamaica is reaping the rewards of consistent engagement and smart partnerships across the Latin American region,” he said.

He pointed to outstanding load factors for Copa Airlines (85.9 per cent) and LATAM Airlines (80.2 per cent), reflecting growing demand. “Copa has expanded to daily service from Panama during the peak summer months, while LATAM’s nonstop Lima–Montego Bay flights, which resumed in December, have exceeded expectations,” Seiveright noted.

For the January–August 2025 period, inbound seat capacity from Latin America has grown by double digits, with July and August each expected to top 10,000 seats—a major jump over last year. This follows a successful sales mission across Argentina, Chile, and Peru in March, engaging over 350 travel partners.

“These routes, especially LATAM’s Lima hub, give us powerful access to Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina,” Seiveright added, “and we’ve backed them with targeted digital campaigns, influencer partnerships, and intensive agent training.”

Expanding airlift across the globe

The Latin America story is part of a broader push to strengthen Jamaica’s global airlift.

Recent major developments include:

• Virgin Atlantic increasing to daily non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Montego Bay;

• New charter flights between Lisbon and Montego Bay, a first for the Iberian Peninsula;

• Continued negotiations with major global carriers, including Emirates and Saudia, for future connectivity with the Middle East and Asia;

• Strengthened regional connections with Bahamasair, Caribbean Airlines, and Cayman Airways.

“These achievements aren’t coincidental,” Seiveright stated. “They are the product of hard, focused work by Minister Bartlett and the ministry team, ensuring Jamaica remains one of the most connected and accessible destinations in the Caribbean.”

Building resilience in uncertain times

The state minister underscored that Jamaica’s tourism resilience rests on more than just airlift and marketing. He cited heavy investment in infrastructure, workforce training, small business support, and sustainable tourism as key to long-term success.

“Whether it’s the new Tourism Workers Pension Scheme, the growing ‘Airbnb economy,’ or TEF-funded projects across resort areas, this Government is building from the ground up,” said Seiveright. “We’re not just reacting to change. We’re preparing Jamaica to lead through it.”

He concluded by calling on the private sector to continue supporting national efforts, noting that strategic collaboration is critical to securing the future.

“This is Jamaica’s time. In the face of global disruption, we are choosing bold action, smart partnerships, and people-centred growth.”