ST JAMES, Jamaica – As the December 15 start of the winter tourist season approaches, excitement is building in the parishes of St Ann, St Mary and Portland, for the commencement of daily flights by American Airlines to the Ian Fleming International Airport.

American Airlines announced in May that it would begin the daily service to the airport, based in Boscobel, St Mary, on December 5.  This is an expansion of its current twice-weekly service to the airport.

It is a move that residents and businesses are hopeful will lead to a significant increase in visitor numbers and spur economic activity.

The new daily flights are also welcomed by individuals travelling to the three parishes, who currently face lengthy drives from the international airports in Kingston or Montego Bay to their destinations.

“The convenience of flying directly into Boscobel will dramatically reduce travel time for tourists,” says Senior Strategist and Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright in an interview with JIS News.

“While it is still early to make a proper assessment, residents have been talking about the impact of the airport’s existing twice-weekly flights. Residents have already noted a positive shift in visitor traffic, with many being hopeful that the daily flights will further enhance this trend,” he notes.

Businessman Garfield Dussard, who resides in Tower Isle, St Mary, is also eagerly anticipating the start of the daily flights. “It’s like an early Christmas gift for us,” he says.

Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Gary Sadler, is also expressing optimism, noting that “American Airlines wouldn’t have made this commitment without conducting thorough research and recognising the potential for growth in this market”.

“This decision is a strong indication that the area is becoming more attractive to travellers,” he tells JIS News.

Sadler believes that other airlines may follow suit, drawn by the promise of increased tourist traffic.

The Ian Fleming International Airport, named after the famous author of the James Bond series, who lived at Goldeneye in Oracabessa, St Mary, serves as a gateway to some of Jamaica’s most beautiful landscapes in northeastern Jamaica.

With the new daily flights, visitors can arrive and immerse themselves in the local culture without the hassle of a long car ride.

Local tourism stakeholders are already gearing up for the influx of travellers. Many businesses, from hotels to restaurants and tour operators, are preparing to welcome more guests.

“We’ve been promoting our beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and local cuisine, and now we can expect more visitors eager to experience what we have to offer,” says popular Portland businesswoman Vanessa Foreman.

She notes that with more visitors comes greater opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

Mayor of Port Antonio, Paul Thompson, for his part, says residents anticipate that the boost in tourist numbers will not only enhance their livelihoods but contribute to the overall development of the area.

“When tourists come, they spend money, and that helps everyone,” he points out.

Thompson’s counterpart in St Ann, Mayor Michael Belnavis, tells JIS News that American Airlines’ new daily flights is timely, not only for visitors looking to escape winter but Jamaicans coming home at this time of the year.

“We need to ensure that we’re ready to provide an exceptional experience for our visitors,” he notes.

“Every guest who comes here is an opportunity for us to showcase what makes our area special,” he said.

“With the promise of easier access to this stunning part of the island, both visitors and locals alike are ready to celebrate what could be a transformative period for tourism in St Ann, St Mary, and Portland,” the mpayor adds.

–              JIS