Jamaica seeks Middle East aviation links and tourism investment

Jamaica is actively seeking to strengthen economic and aviation ties with the Middle East to position the island as a strategic hub connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region with the Americas. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has engaged in discussions with representatives from Qatar and Etihad Airways to boost air connectivity, aiming to transform Jamaica into a gateway for travelers moving between the Gulf and markets in Central and South America.

In addition to aviation expansion, Jamaica is exploring investment opportunities to support its local tourism infrastructure. Minister Bartlett met with Saudi Eksab in Riyadh to discuss financing pathways for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These discussions focused on potential co-investment structures and technical assistance to help local hotels, tour operators, and community enterprises access the capital necessary to modernize and compete within the growing visitor economy.