KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Jamaica pulled out all the stops to welcome Swoop’s first nonstop flight from Toronto to Kingston on Dec. 8.

Marking the launch of the airline’s new nonstop service between the two cities, the flight was greeted by senior government officials and representatives from Jamaica’s tourism sector, including Peter Mullings, Acting Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing; Joy Roberts, Executive Director, Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC); Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica; Camille Needham, Executive Director, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; and Dale Davis, Director of Operations and Maintenance, PAC Kingston Airport (PACKAL).

“Now more than ever before, tourism is about relationships and Destination Jamaica is committed to strengthening the strategic partnerships that provide the foundation for a successful tourism sector,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are grateful for Swoop’s continued support and confidence in the destination and Jamaica is committed to delivering the highest levels of health and safety for all our Canadian visitors.”

Swoop’s new twice-weekly service is projected to bring approximately 7,500 passengers to Jamaica this winter 2021-22 season.

On what the new service means to both Canada and Jamaica, Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourism Board, added: “Jamaica is proud to strengthen and expand our strong alliance with one of Canada’s premier low-fare airlines, and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of new passengers into Jamaica’s capital each week. This new flight service provides our Jamaican Diaspora community with increased opportunities to come home, and will encourage Canadian travellers to discover and explore the island’s exciting cultural centre.”

Jamaica officially reopened to tourism in June 2020 with enhanced health and safety protocols at all major hotels, resorts and attractions, as well as island-wide PCR testing services.