Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Kingston and Montego Bay now available for booking in Emirates Airline System. A major outcome of Jamaica’s debut participation at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai is that Emirates Airlines, the largest airline in the Gulf Coast Countries (GCC) is now selling Jamaica.
Two meetings held on Tuesday May 10 saw an immediate entry of Jamaica in the airline system. Minister of Tourism, the Hon Edmund Bartlett, met with His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group to formalize the decision, then Director of Tourism, Mr Donovan White met with the Emirates operational teams to work out the details for Jamaica to be entered into the system.
Both Norman Manley and Sangster International Airports are now listed in the airline system, with ticket pricing available. Flights are offered with options over JFK, New York, Newark, Boston and Orlando. One option goes through Malpensa Italy, allowing access to the European market as well. Importantly, this is being sold by Emirates Holidays.
According to Minister Bartlett, “This is a major initiative for Jamaica as it is opens the middle eastern gateway from Asia and North Africa. It is the first time that Destination Jamaica is entered into the ticketing system of a GCC airline and gives the JTB significant leverage to negotiate direct flights to the destination.” Discussions began in October 2021 when Minister Bartlett and Director White made their first visit to Expo 2020.
