In 2016 when Caribbean Flights — which caters to private jets flying into the region — carried out its last survey, Jamaica did not even merit a mere mention in its top 15 Caribbean airports for luxury aircraft. If we are lucky, that seems about to change.

Proving its potential as a magnet for celebrities and high-profile visitors, the jet-setters, Jamaica attracted 18 private jets in one day, flying into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport on December 23, 2024, almost the night before Christmas.

“The VIP Attractions Lounge at both Kingston Norman Manley and Montego Bay Sangster have been completely booked out and air controllers are all on duty due to the high air traffic,” the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported.

The higher the number of private jets touching down at an airport is the more it is taken as a sign of the prestige attached to an island, especially for its branding as a tourist destination.

Caribbean Flights, which handles every detail of the private flight, such as on-board catering, ground transportation, hotel accommodation and the like, measured the top 15 airports in the region by Caribbean charter flights. Jamaica was not even a blip on the radar.

In order of importance, the top 10 were Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 1,799 flights; Princess Juliana International Airport, St Maarten – 1,586 flights; Cyril E King Airport, US Virgin Islands, St Thomas – 1,284 flights; LF Wade International Airport, Bermuda – 931 flights; Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico – 835 flights; Clayton J Lloyd International Airport, Anguilla – 670 flights; Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, British Virgin Islands – 511 flights; Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados – 487 flights; VC Bird International, Antigua & Barbuda – 486 flights; and Henry E Rohlsen Airport, St Croix, US Virgin Islands – 419 flights.

Often seeking a haven to escape the icy chill of the northern climes during wintery times, these celebrities don’t have to own their own jets, as renting of private jets has become a thing.

In the past two years, according to chief adviser in the Ministry of Tourism Mr Delano Seiveright, the jet-setters falling to Jamaica’s allure included Canadian Prime Minister Mr Justin Trudeau; American music artistes Chance the Rapper and Rick Ross; and Academy Award winners Mr Michael Douglas and his wife Ms Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Over the years, others have also jetted in to cavort in the warm blue waters of the island, including the likes of the Rolling Stones’ Mr Mick Jagger and Mr Keith Richards; Mr Denzel Washington; Mr Eddie Murphy; Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle; Jay-Z and wife Beyonce; Mr Tom Cruise; Mr Rick Moranis; Mr Peter O’Toole; and Jamaica’s own Ms Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Jamaica has proven to be unbeatable as an idyllic retreat where stars can escape the limelight and enjoy quality time with their families and friends, providing the privacy they crave, especially away from the prying cameras of the paparazzi.

In addition, the island offers a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty and pristine beaches. It is the birthplace of reggae music and home to the legendary Bob Marley, boasts authentic culinary delights, and is renowned for its warm and welcoming people.

Based on all that, who wouldn’t want to visit?