ST JAMES, Jamaica–The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is welcoming the Government’s decision to advance the Lionel Densham Aerodrome project in St Elizabeth and endorses it as a strategic investment in the future of the south coast and of Jamaica’s tourism product.

At last week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, outlined that the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is completing five technical studies requested by the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Public Investment Appraisal Branch (PIAB).

These cover geotechnical investigations, socio-economic impact, environmental and climate assessments, and preliminary engineering and drainage designs. The Government is targeting December 23, 2026, to resubmit the revised proposal to PIAB.

“Air access shapes what a destination can become,” said JHTA President O’Brian Heron. “A modern aerodrome in St Elizabeth would bring the south coast within easy reach of visitors and investors alike, and open the door to the kind of distinctive, community-rooted experiences that set Jamaica apart. We commend the Government for moving this project forward with clear milestones, and we encourage every agency involved to hold to that
timetable.”

The south coast bore the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall near Black River in October 2025. The JHTA views the aerodrome as a powerful signal of confidence in the region’s recovery and a platform for its next phase of growth. Improved air connectivity would:

● Reduce travel times to the south coast and complement ongoing improvements to road access, making the region more attractive to visitors, investors and the businesses that serve them.

● Support the Tourism 3.0 agenda by drawing visitors beyond the resort corridors into communities, where local enterprises in food, culture, agriculture and nature tourism stand to benefit directly.

● Open new options for domestic, charter and private aviation, broadening the visitor mix and supporting higher-value travel.

● Strengthen the region’s resilience by providing an additional access point for relief, recovery and emergency response.

“St Elizabeth and its neighbouring parishes have so much to offer the visitor, and their people have shown remarkable strength over the past year,” Heron added.

“Connectivity is what turns that potential into opportunity. This aerodrome can be a catalyst for jobs, enterprise and investment across the region.”

The JHTA says through its South Coast Chapter, it stands ready to work with the AAJ, the Government and local stakeholders to ensure the project delivers
its full value.

The association encourages that the socioeconomic and environmental assessments include meaningful consultation with the communities of St Elizabeth, so that the project is built with the region.