02 March 2010

Why is Jamaica the exception to tourist-dwindling Caribbean?

Most of the Caribbean has struggled to attract vacationers but there is at least one exception: Jamaica. How did they do it?

Two of the simplest answers are lower hotel rates and increased air service.

"Low-cost carriers are boosting the direct links from East Coast cities to Jamaica," said the AP.

"JetBlue introduced Jamaica flights from New York City last May with great success, and has been expanding service ever since."

Both AirTran and JetBlue continue to introduce new service.

Air Tran launched new service between Montego Bay and Atlanta Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando earlier this month.

Last year, US Airways introduced a nonstop route between Phoenix and Montego Bay. The airline has also expanded seasonal service from Boston through mid-April.

In lower-priced trips: Pleasant Holidays has posted three-night, air-and-hotel packages to Jamaica from $495 per person for stays in April and May.

CheapCaribbean has discounted vacation packages for spring dates.

Sandals Resorts is offering $250 spa credits on seven-night stays booked before February 15, and other hotels around the island are running sales or offering added value to spring stays.

Will the trend continue? Experts say it will.

By David Wilkening