Kingston, Jamaica September 29, 2011 – Three hundred thousand seats have been secured out of Canada for the upcoming Winter Tourist Season following the addition of three new flights from that market. That’s the word from Tourism Minister, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett who addressed members of the Travel Trade in Newfoundland, Canada yesterday. Minister Bartlett said “there will be two new flights from Thunder Bay, Ontario and one new flight from St. John’s, Newfoundland which will bring a total of 300, 000 seats out of Canada this winter. This will set the stage for record arrivals out of Canada. We had over 200, 000 visitors in winter 2010 and we now have a target of over 250, 000 in light of Jamaica’s homecoming activities planned for 2012.”

 
The Minister also explained that beginning March 18, 2012, Sunwing Airlines will initiate direct flights from Newfoundland, Canada to Montego Bay every Sunday through to April 29, 2012. Minister Bartlett said “the inauguration of flights between Montego Bay and Newfoundland for the first time is yet another successful effort which ensures that destination Jamaica remains the most connected destination in the region.”

 
He added that “the Canadian Market continues to show increased arrivals to Jamaica and this new flight will augment efforts that have already proven to be successful. Canada has become Jamaica’s fastest growing market, with steady and strong growth year after year. We are excited that the growth will continue through 2011 and into next year by adding St. John’s as a gateway to Jamaica.” Minister Bartlett said “I can confidently tell you that Jamaica anticipates the strongest year ever from Canadian visitors as a result of the coast-to-coast service being offered by our many travel partners.”
 
The Tourism Minister added that Jamaica and Newfoundland shared historical links though both destinations having unique offerings. “Our historical ties go as far back as the mid 19th Century with the trade in rum and molasses from Jamaica in return for codfish. We think Newfoundlanders can appreciate this link which will make you feel welcomed and at home in the sun when it’s snowing here.”
 
Minister Bartlett stressed that with the introduction of flights from Newfoundland to Montego Bay, Jamaica’s prospects for the upcoming Winter Tourist Season remain bright. “We are looking forward to this coming season with great anticipation as we welcome the direct flight that will bring us many more Newfoundlanders. We have enjoyed a direct connection between our islands for centuries and now for the first time, that direct connection will take only five hours.”, he said.

 
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s new Deputy Director of Tourism in charge of marketing, Ms. Sandra Scott in welcoming the Sunwing flights said “we are thrilled to accommodate the demand for service from St. John’s to Jamaica. We anticipate Jamaica will continue to see record numbers from Canada this winter because of the tremendous support from travel agents and tour operators from all across the country.” The Sunwing flights will depart Newfoundland to Montego Bay at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays and arrive in Montego Bay at 11:30 a.m. local time.