Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has held discussions with officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) to explore opportunities for airlift between the two countries, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen tourism and travel cooperation between Jamaica and the Middle East.
The preliminary talks form part of a broader engagement between Jamaica and Saudi Arabia that has spanned tourism development, aviation, investment and human capital development. The Air Connectivity Programme, an initiative of the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism authorities, works with government and private-sector partners to expand air routes to and from Saudi Arabia in support of the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
Both sides noted that improved airlift would strengthen Jamaica’s position as a gateway destination and open new distribution opportunities across the wider Caribbean, while giving Saudi and regional Gulf travellers more direct access to the island. The discussions also touched on how expanded connectivity with Jamaica as a potential regional hub, could support demand for business and leisure travel. The move would also complement Jamaica’s existing airlift growth from the United States, Canada, Latin America and the United Kingdom.
“This engagement with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Programme reflects our continued push to widen Jamaica’s airlift and open new source markets. Every new route we secure translates directly into growth for our hoteliers, our attractions, and the small businesses that depend on tourism,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
For Jamaica, stronger airlift ties with Saudi Arabia hold direct benefits for local stakeholders, including hoteliers, ground transportation operators, attractions and the small and medium-sized tourism enterprises that depend on steady visitor arrivals. Minister Bartlett has consistently maintained that new airlift arrangements should translate into tangible opportunities for Jamaican workers and businesses, in keeping with the Ministry’s approach to growing the sector’s benefits at the community level.
“Air connectivity with Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would open a wealth of opportunities for both countries through visitor and cargo traffic. While the logistics require deeper technical discussions, there is real potential we are eager to capitalize on,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
For Saudi Arabia, this airlift would provide access to Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and lucrative Latin American markets. Both sides agreed to continue technical-level discussions in the coming months, with a view to identifying next steps toward improved air connectivity between Jamaica and Saudi Arabia.
