New direct service strengthens connectivity between Canada and Jamaica as island rebuilds tourism sector

Pictured: L-R, Regional Director for Jamaica, Mrs. Odette Dyer present tokens to His Excellency, Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and his wife Mrs. Allison Berman at the inaugural WestJet flight from Québec, a new route for the airline to Jamaica, on Saturday December 6, 2025.

MONTEGO BAY; Jamaica; Saturday December 6, 2025 – Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, has welcomed the launch of WestJet’s new direct service between Québec City and Montego Bay, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s tourism recovery following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The weekly service, which began operations on December 6, 2025, represents a powerful vote of confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and its commitment to welcoming visitors even as the nation continues its recovery efforts.

“The arrival of this new route from Québec City is more than just an expansion of airlift—it is a testament to Jamaica’s unwavering spirit and determination to emerge stronger from disruption,” said Minister Bartlett. “Even as we continue to rebuild and restore our tourism infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa, the confidence shown by WestJet and the Canadian market reinforces that Jamaica remains the Caribbean’s premier destination.”

Pictured: WestJet touches down on Saturday December 6, 2025, from Québec to Montego Bay as part of the airlines newest route to Jamaica.

The new Québec City-Montego Bay route is critical to Jamaica’s ambitious goal to welcome 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generate US$750 million in tourism earnings by 2030.

“Canada has always been a vital partner in Jamaica’s tourism success, and this new route from Québec City demonstrates the strong ties between our nations,” Minister Bartlett stated. “This French market represents tremendous opportunity for growth, and we are committed to providing Québec travellers with authentic Jamaican experiences that will create lasting memories.”

The launch of the new service comes as Jamaica demonstrates its remarkable capacity for recovery. Despite the negative impact caused by Hurricane Melissa, the tourism sector has mobilized rapidly to restore critical infrastructure and ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.

“This route will not only bring more visitors to Jamaica but will also facilitate trade, strengthen people-to-people connections, and create employment opportunities for Jamaicans,” Minister Bartlett noted. “Tourism is the engine of our economy, and every new flight represents jobs, livelihoods, and hope for our people.”

The new route is part of WestJet’s expanded winter 2025/2026 schedule for Québec, which integrates Sunwing’s network following the two carriers’ merger. The service will operate once weekly, providing Québec travellers with convenient access to Jamaica’s world-renowned beaches, culture, and hospitality.

“Hurricane Melissa tested us, but it did not break us. The arrival of this new WestJet service is proof that that Jamaica is ready to welcome visitors to its shores,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Pictured: L-R, His Worship the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon looks on as Mrs. Odette Dyer. Regional Director, Jamaica, greets one of the captains at the inaugural welcome of WestJet out of Québec to Montego Bay on Saturday December 6, 2025. Sharing in the moment as well are Ms. Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations and His Excellency, Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica.

The new route is part of WestJet’s expanded winter 2025/2026 schedule for Québec, which integrates Sunwing’s network following the two carriers’ merger. The service will operate weekly, providing Québec travellers with convenient access to Jamaica’s world-renowned beaches, culture, and hospitality.

“We are humbled that our partners, WestJet and Sunwing remain confident in Jamaica’s ability to build back, and this reinforces the fact that Jamaica is open for business, and we are ready to welcome our Canadian visitors,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada.

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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/.