Jamaica sets sights on Russia

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett revealed that he also plans to visit Africa later this year since airlines from that continent have been indicating an interest in flying to Jamaica.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday June 17, 2011 – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has gone to Russia with a team of officials to try to secure new arrangements with airlines in order to double the number of visitors from that country. 

He said the aim is see an increase from 1,500 to 3,000 visitors.

“The flow of Russian visitors is being targeted for the winter season of 2011/2012. However, in the event of things being pushed back, we should not wait beyond summer of 2012 for the resulting increase in arrivals from the Baltic states,” Bartlett said.

“Russia is an emerging market and we have been doing some work with the key functionaries from that country. Our visit will shore up those talks and ultimately ensure connectivity between Jamaica and Russia in a serious way. Our discussions in Russia will be with representatives of Aeroflot and Transaero Airlines.”  

Meantime, the Tourism Minister has disclosed that Jamaica is on the verge of confirming airlift arrangements with officials in South America.

He said the increased airlift will result in Jamaica becoming the most connected destination in the Caribbean from South America.

Minister Bartlett revealed that he also plans to visit Africa later this year since airlines from that continent have been indicating an interest in flying to Jamaica.

“Once airlift arrangements are concluded on the African continent, Jamaica will then be the only destination with direct connection to every continent, except Australia. What that provides for Jamaica is all-season tourism flow, as with marketing taking place on both sides of the equator, visitors experiencing winter in the north will be able to choose our island and once they depart and its winter in the south, those tourists will be able to travel to our country,” he said.

Bartlett is accompanied on his Russia trip by Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Director of Tourism John Lynch and the Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Limited, Lionel Reid.

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