KINGSTON; Jamaica; Thursday, March 19, 2026 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has lauded Spirit Airlines for its two decades of contribution to the island’s tourism industry, highlighting the airline’s significant role in strengthening connectivity and expanding access to Jamaica for travellers from across the United States.

The commendation came during the airline’s 20th anniversary celebrations at Sangster International Airport on February 25, where tourism and aviation stakeholders gathered to recognize Spirit Airlines’ longstanding service and impact on the destination.

Spirit Airlines began flying to Jamaica in November 2005 and has since become a vital partner in linking millions of travellers from across the United States to the destination. Over the past 20 years, the airline has played a key role in strengthening visitor arrivals through both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, also commended the airline’s impact, noting that its presence has helped to transform Jamaica’s tourism landscape. “Spirit Airlines has been instrumental in opening Jamaica to new and emerging markets, providing affordable options that have empowered more people to experience our island. This 20-year milestone reflects a strong and valued partnership that continues to drive growth, resilience and opportunity for our tourism sector,” Bartlett said.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, underscored the importance of the airline’s reliability and long-standing commitment. “For two decades, Spirit Airlines has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Jamaica, ensuring that our destination remains competitive and accessible. Their consistent service has not only strengthened our airlift capacity but has also enhanced the overall visitor experience by making travel to Jamaica easier and more attainable,” White noted.

“For twenty years, Spirit Airlines has been a bridge connecting travellers to the warmth, culture and beauty of Jamaica. We have watched this relationship grow into more routes, more frequencies and more visitors arriving with excitement in their eyes and leaving with Jamaica in their hearts at both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA),” expressed Mrs. Odette Dyer, Regional Director at the celebration held at SIA on February 25.

Tourism officials also commended the airline for its resilience and continued commitment to the destination through global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic pressures affecting the aviation and tourism sectors.

The celebrations continued on February 26 with a second ceremony at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, marking the airline’s 20th anniversary of service to the capital.

As Jamaica continues to expand its global connectivity, tourism leaders reaffirmed the importance of strong airline partnerships in sustaining the industry’s growth trajectory, while celebrating Spirit Airlines’ Emerald Anniversary and its two decades of dedicated service to the island.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.