By the Caribbean Journal staff

Spirit has its sights set on Jamaica — and the low-cost carrier is showing now signs of slowing down.

The Fort Lauderdale-based airline is set to launch yet another high-profile expansion to Jamaica this month with a new route from Orlando to Jamaica’s tourism hub of Montego Bay.

A quiet beach in Montego Bay.

The new service, which will operate three times each week, will launch Feb. 28, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The new flights will complement existing Spirit service to Montego Bay out of both Baltimore-Washington and Fort Lauderdale.

The next day, Spirit will add another new route to Jamaica, with a March 1 launch of thrice-weekly service from Orlando to Kingston.

Spirit has been steadily expanding its presence in Orlando, as it looks to turn the airport into a hub for Caribbean travel (including destinations like Puerto Rico, the USVI and the Dominican Republic, among others).

The Jewel Grande Montego Bay.

The moves only reinforce Florida’s growing power as a travel source market to the Caribbean, with Orlando, Miami and, increasingly, Fort Lauderdale, having turned into major air markets for the region.

The poolscape at the new S Hotel in Montego Bay.

Matt Klein, Spirit Airlines’ Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer said Spirit continues to grow in Jamaica “because the beautiful island continues to see an amazing demand for visitors looking to get away to experience the warm beaches, culture and hospitality.”

Heading to Montego Bay? Consider some of the hottest places to stay in the area, from legendary villas to major golf destinations.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Air Canada and Mexico’s Interjet have signed an interline agreement, the two sides announced this week.

That means travelers can purchase a single ticket for flights on either airline; the agreement will cover travel from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to both Mexico City and Cancun.

“We are very excited to start the new year with this important interline agreement between Interjet Airlines and Air Canada,” said Julio Gamero, Interjet’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The growth of our business between Canada and Mexico has exceeded expectations and this is the next logical step to maintaining this success.”

The agreement also means travelers can check baggage at their origination point to their final destination, with easy connections at airports served by both carriers.

— CJ

The post Mexico’s Interjet, Air Canada Sign Interline Agreement appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica’s Montego Bay is seeing a huge surge in travel demand, according to new data provided to Caribbean Journal by Expedia.

The destination recorded growth of nearly 40 percent in package demand in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, according to the travel giant.

That was accompanied by nine percent growth in travel demand for Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The data was released during Expedia’s Caribbean Tech & Travel Summit in Montego Bay on the heels of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference.

Other destinations including Punta Cana and Aruba also posted double-digit growth, the company said.

 “Our Tech & Travel Summit marks a unique opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the Caribbean, as the region continues to be a significant market for us as a company,” said Rafael del Castillo, senior director of Latin American resorts, Expedia Group Lodging Partner Services.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The United States Virgin Islands’ tourism industry is “open for business,” incoming Tourism Commissioner Joe Boschulte said this week.

Boschulte, who awaits confirmation as the USVI’s new tourism chief, was speaking during the Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference in Jamaica.

The Bolongo Bay in St Thomas.

He said between 60 and 65 percent of accommodations across the territory were now open and accepting guests, while other properties were rebuilding and repairing.

The lobby at The Fred hotel in Frederiksted.

That includes about 1,500 rooms available in St Thomas, about 150 rooms on St John and about 600 units on St Croix.

St Thomas in particular has seen a strong hotel industry rebound, with the return of properties like the iconic Bolongo Bay and Secret Harbour, among others.

The new Braata restaurant in St Croix.

Another 600 villa units and 200 charter yachts are now available in St Thomas and St John, with about 300 villa units now operating in St Croix.

On the airlift front, capacity to St Croix is already ahead of pre-hurricane levels, while seats to St Thomas are at about 80 percent.

— CJ

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