Jamaica Sees Surge in Latin American Visitors, Targeting One Million Tourists by 2025

• Jamaica has seen an impressive surge in visitors from Latin America (LATAM) in recent months. This growth comes at a time when LATAM has emerged as a key market for Jamaica’s tourism sector. The revelation was made by Alex Pace, Chief Executive Officer of Global Marketing and Sales and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) regional representative, during the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX).
• With LATAM countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Peru, contributing significantly to Jamaica’s tourism arrivals, the country is making strategic moves to strengthen its ties with this growing market. In a press briefing on September 23, 2025, Pace confirmed that Jamaica was on track to reach a 77% increase in visitor arrivals compared to the previous year from LATAM as travel connections and trade relationships continue to improve. The growth in airlift capacity, with nearly a 75% increase in available seats, signals that the demand for Jamaican tourism is growing rapidly in Latin America, especially among wealthier travellers.
• Jamaica’s tourism sector has been significantly impacted by these positive changes, as direct flights from key cities, such as Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima, have become more frequent. These routes are crucial to ensuring the steady flow of tourists from the region, while also creating opportunities for business tourism and trade partnerships.
• Argentina has emerged as the top contributor to Jamaican tourism from Latin America, with a 111% increase in arrivals compared to last year. Chile and Peru have also seen substantial growth, with Chile ranking as the second-largest contributor and Peru showing a 444% increase in tourist arrivals. This surge is partly attributed to the strategic involvement of LATAM Airlines, which has made it easier for Latin American tourists to travel directly to Jamaica through its hub in Lima, Peru.
• The rising interest from travellers has prompted the Jamaican government to invest more in regional tourism and promote the island as a desirable vacation destination. To support the growing influx of visitors from LATAM, Jamaica has been actively enhancing its tourism infrastructure and marketing strategies. Direct flight connections and improved airlift capacity have made it easier for Latin American tourists to visit Jamaica. The increase in seat capacity and new flight routes have opened up more opportunities for tourism growth while reducing the barriers for travellers.
• The increase in tourist arrivals from LATAM has directly impacted Jamaica’s economy, especially in sectors related to hospitality, transportation, and local businesses. The expected surge in visitor numbers is also expected to create a ripple effect throughout the economy, boosting local businesses, creating jobs, and increasing demand for hotel accommodations and tourist services.
• Overall, the Jamaican government aims to achieve one million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025, further solidifying the country’s position as a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean. As at mid-2025, the country has already seen record arrivals, and strong partnerships with Latin American countries will continue to be a key driver of this success. With Jamaica’s tourism industry showing signs of resilience and growth, the country is positioning itself to attract even more international tourists in the coming years.

(Source: Travel and Tour the World)