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Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the country is reaping the benefits of the ministry's airlift strategy with the inaugural flight of a new airline.
According to Mr. Bartlett, AirTran is an important part of the country's airlift especially now in the midst of the winter tourist season for which a record number of tourists are expected.
He says 18 Air Tran flights per week and 216 per year are scheduled to arrive, boosting the airlift seats for the winter season to one million for the first time.
"This airline's hub is at the airport in Hartsfield in Atlanta, the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger volume, where AirTran is the second largest carrier. Jamaica is proud to be added to this list of destinations," Mr. Bartlett said.
Casino gaming part of future signature offerings
In the meantime, Mr. Bartlett added that the collaboration with AirTran is part of the Tourism Ministry's improved marketing strategy.
Ed Bartlett, Tourism Minister.
He said mechanisms are being put in place to market Jamaica as a shopping mecca in addition to other signature offerings to attract high-end clientele.
Mr. Bartlett reiterated that casino gambling is being looked at as a major component to achieve this.
"Along side enhanced duty free shopping, we view casino gaming as a critical component of the growing luxury market. The more visitors we get, the more varied our attractions must be and as we seek to satisfy the entertainment need of our visitors who are looking for more sun, sea and sand, so it is that we must expand the range of offerings that we provide for them," the tourism minister said.
Mr. Bartlett was speaking at the inauguration of AirTran Airways service to Montego Bay at the Sangster International Airport in St. James on Thursday.
According to Mr. Bartlett, AirTran is an important part of the country's airlift especially now in the midst of the winter tourist season for which a record number of tourists are expected.
He says 18 Air Tran flights per week and 216 per year are scheduled to arrive, boosting the airlift seats for the winter season to one million for the first time.
"This airline's hub is at the airport in Hartsfield in Atlanta, the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger volume, where AirTran is the second largest carrier. Jamaica is proud to be added to this list of destinations," Mr. Bartlett said.
Casino gaming part of future signature offerings
In the meantime, Mr. Bartlett added that the collaboration with AirTran is part of the Tourism Ministry's improved marketing strategy.
Ed Bartlett, Tourism Minister.
He said mechanisms are being put in place to market Jamaica as a shopping mecca in addition to other signature offerings to attract high-end clientele.
Mr. Bartlett reiterated that casino gambling is being looked at as a major component to achieve this.
"Along side enhanced duty free shopping, we view casino gaming as a critical component of the growing luxury market. The more visitors we get, the more varied our attractions must be and as we seek to satisfy the entertainment need of our visitors who are looking for more sun, sea and sand, so it is that we must expand the range of offerings that we provide for them," the tourism minister said.
Mr. Bartlett was speaking at the inauguration of AirTran Airways service to Montego Bay at the Sangster International Airport in St. James on Thursday.