Growth powered by Surging arrivals from key LATAM markets and a wave of new routes
KINGSTON; Jamaica; Friday February 27, 2026 — Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the continued record-breaking growth in visitor arrivals from Latin America in 2025 which is being driven by expansion in air seat capacity across the region. The results reflect deepening demand from six primary source markets — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru — and a robust airline network that continues to grow into 2026.
Jamaica recorded its strongest-ever performance from Latin American markets last year, with total visitor arrivals from the region growing by more than 62,000 passengers compared to the prior year. Peru, Argentina, and Chile each posted particularly notable gains, reflecting growing awareness of Jamaica as a premier Caribbean destination among South American travellers.
“These results are more meaningful than numbers. They reflect the strategic marketing efforts we have employed to deepen partnerships and confidence in the destination. We have been deliberate in tapping into this extremely lucrative market which will help with diversification and increased arrivals and earnings overall,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
The results build on a broader regional upswing. Latin America and the Caribbean recorded total air traffic of 477.3 million passengers in 2025 — a 3.8% year-over-year rise — with most of that growth originating from within the region itself. Jamaica is positioned to capitalize on this momentum through strategic airlift and trade partnerships.
“Latin America has surpassed our expectations and is an extremely positive sign of affinity for brand Jamaica. Our island continues to punch above its weight as global interest in our culture and authentic experiences remain at a high,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White.
Over the last three years, Jamaica has recorded an 88% increase in arrivals – 31,152 in 2023, 35,252 in 2024 and a whopping 58, 797 last year. Earnings from this market has also increased by 108% from over USD55 million in 2023 to USD116 million last year.
Current scheduled service connecting Latin America to Jamaica includes Copa Airlines operating from Panama City to both Kingston and Montego Bay — with combined weekly frequencies among the highest in the region — alongside LATAM Airlines from Lima and Wingo from Bogotá. All routes are performing at or above target load factors, underscoring the strength of existing demand.
“Our team has been pulling out all the stops to build on this great momentum. We know the value of this market and are determined to leverage more for Jamaica,” said Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose.
Panama continues to serve as a critical aviation hub, with Copa Airlines providing seamless onward connections that effectively extend Jamaica’s reach across the entire Latin American region.
Projections for 2026 and 2027 are also looking extremely strong with 100,000 and 175, 000 arrivals expected respectively. These growing numbers translate to earnings of over USD500 million.
The Minister is leading a small delegation to Columbia and Panama to discuss opportunities to add more cities to Jamaica’s itinerary which will increase seat capacity and strengthen trade and consumer partnerships within the region.
