Gov’t Prioritising Aviation as a Tourism Growth Driver

  • The Government is prioritising aviation as a key driver of tourism growth. Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announced plans to expand the air transport infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across Jamaica as part of the broader Tourism 3.0 strategy.
  • He outlined the approach while addressing stakeholders in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, on Friday (April 24), during the second day of the South Coast Confidence Tour. On the south coast, the Minister highlighted Vernamfield as the centrepiece of the Government’s aviation ambitions.
  • The plan extends beyond upgrading the airstrip, envisioning a full aviation ecosystem built around Vernamfield, with the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA1) spearheading its development.
  • “There is also the Lionel Densham Aerodrome in St. Elizabeth, because I know that it is a matter of local interest. I certainly have been inspired by my conversation with Jack Sprat Restaurant owner and hotelier, Jason Henzell, about the potential for it,” Mr. Bartlett outlined. Mr. Bartlett explained that enhanced aviation infrastructure would significantly cut travel times between key points across the island.
  • According to the Minister, the goal is to establish a system where visitors can travel from major entry points to tourism hotspots, “within an hour to an hour and a half,” offering a level of convenience comparable to other international destinations and thereby strengthening Jamaica’s appeal. Mr. Bartlett emphasised that NaRRA is expected to design and implement the infrastructure required to realise this vision.
  • By developing the Vernamfield aviation ecosystem and upgrading local aerodromes like Lionel Densham, the government is opening up the South Coast (such as Treasure Beach) to mainstream tourism. This will spread tourism revenue beyond traditional hubs like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, boosting local economies, especially in disaster-stricken areas in Western Jamaica.

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1NaRRA is the State agency established to manage post-disaster reconstruction and resilience building.

(Source: JIS & NCBCM Research)