MONTEGO BAY, St James — Caribbean Airlines’ impending resumption of scheduled service between Florida and Montego Bay has been welcomed by Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and the Government’s senior tourism industry strategist.

“We definitely encourage any flights that are coming in, and now, with Caribbean Airlines being one of us in the Caribbean having a flight go to Florida, it will only benefit us,” Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President Robin Russell said after the regional carrier announced that, starting March 11, it will commence daily flights between Montego Bay and Fort Lauderdale in the United States.

The airline also said that on March 11 it will be increasing its Kingston to Fort Lauderdale route to a daily service.

“It’s been out of Sangster for quite a while — I can’t quote how long but I know it’s been a while,” added Russell.

He noted that Florida has been a key travel hub to the island and therefore expectations are high for what the service will mean for the tourism industry.

“We will welcome it. We know that the Florida area is popular for Jamaica — whether it’s for Jamaicans coming back home or people in Florida coming to visit Jamaica,” he stated.

“We’ve always had very close ties with Florida, so the more flights we have out of Florida, our tourism product will be better off,” he said.

“It’s a very popular route and I know they’ll do well. It’s one of those routes that have high loads and very good fares so we are very encouraged by them opening that route,” he said.

“Maybe they will add more routes — another one out of New York or something — but we are encouraged by this,” he stated.

Senior strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright agreed with Russell.

“The reintroduction of Caribbean Airlines’ non-stop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Montego Bay is a tremendous step forward in strengthening Jamaica’s tourism sector and bolstering our airlift strategy,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“For years, this route has been a favourite for travellers, and its return is a testament to the strong partnership between Jamaica and our airline partners,” he added.

“The fact that this route will operate daily further underscores the confidence in Jamaica as a premier travel destination,” Seiveright stated.

This, he said, comes as part of an overall strategy being carried out by the tourism ministry which has seen an increase in carriers to the island.

“Over the past year, Jamaica has achieved remarkable successes in expanding connectivity across key markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America,” Seiveright said.

“This achievement aligns perfectly with the broader efforts to enhance access to the island through a robust and multifaceted approach; from historic milestones such as American Airlines’ inaugural service to Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary to new flights by LATAM between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and American carrier Avelo putting on their first-ever flights outside the United States — between Hartford, Connecticut and Montego Bay, Jamaica — and significant gains from carriers like United Airlines and others,” he said.

“These developments are not just about flights — they represent a significant boost to local economies, job creation, and a strengthened position for Jamaica in the global tourism market. With every new connection we are reinforcing our status as the heartbeat of the Caribbean. The resumption of this route underscores that Jamaica is not only ready to meet demand but is setting the pace for recovery and growth in the region,” Seiveright argued.