KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) –Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica should soon have direct flights to China, the fastest growing market for outbound travellers in the world.
The ministry reported on Tuesday that China’s newly appointed ambassador to Jamaica, Zheng Qingdian, gave a commitment to pursue the introduction of direct flights between Beijing and Montego Bay, during a courtesy call on the minister.
The release from the ministry said that Qingdian expressed enthusiasm and delight at Jamaica’s prowess in sports and tourism, as well as its rich heritage and culture. He said he would be facilitating discussions with China Air to have the new flight arrangement implemented.
The Chinese diplomat also discussed with Bartlett investment prospects in tourism, and extended an official invitation to the minister to meet with his counterpart in China in September, to explore areas for increased collaboration.
Bartlett expressed enthusiasm with the opportunities for greater collaboration with China, particularly in tourism.
“China represents one of the target markets for increasing tourist arrivals to the island, and establishing direct flights between us and them is a major step in having Chinese visitors coming here,” the minister said.
