Passenger flow between the capitals of Santo Domingo and Kingston, Jamaica, increases by 1,600%
Further to my recent piece on the comparative cost for Jamaicans to vacation at home versus in the Dominican Republic, here's a media release from Arajet that was just sent to me this morning that I thought I'd share confirming that more Jamaicans are indeed heading to the Dominican Republic using that airline.
While I’m not endorsing the airline, the fact that more Jamaicans are using it to go the D.R. reinforces the message I was sending that Jamaican Hoteliers Better Wake Up. Trade between the two countries is also picking up.
Kingston, Jamaica. - The flow of passengers between the capitals of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic has registered a notable increase of 1,600%, since the historic first direct flight operated by Arajet, on November 14, 2022.
While in 2020 the number of travelers was practically non-existent, in 2022 it reached 3,300 passengers, a growth that continued to rise steadily. By June 2024, the flow of visitors already exceeded 58,000 people. This impressive increase was highlighted by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica in a series of information capsules in which it reports on the 10 most transcendental achievements attained by the diplomatic mission, during these three and a half years in which they can exhibit more than 500 milestones and executions of the management led by the career diplomat and internationalist lawyer, Angie Martínez.
It is recalled that in 2022 the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica announced that it had obtained a special permit from the Jamaican authorities, so that, despite the Air Services Agreement not being signed, Dominican airlines could operate direct commercial flights between the two countries.
"Achieving the air connectivity establishment between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has been the true game changer of bilateral relations. The increase in passenger flow by 1,600% is just an example of how relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica have been transformed impressively," said the Dominican Ambassador to Jamaica, Angie Martínez.
The CEO and founder of Arajet, Victor Pacheco, expressed his satisfaction with the route's success and reaffirmed the airline's commitment to continue facilitating air transport between these two important Caribbean destinations. "We are extremely proud to have contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. This increase in passenger flow demonstrates the demand and potential of this connection nonetheless our dedication to offering high-quality services, at a price accessible to all."
Before the existence of this flight, traveling from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica was a complicated crossing, with stopovers in the United States, Panama, or the Turks and Caicos Islands, making a journey that should be simple, of no more than 1 hour and 10 minutes, a long journey of up to 11 and 16 hours.
"Now we have simplified this process, allowing our passengers to enjoy a fast and efficient journey. In addition, thanks to Arajet's ultra-low-cost model, the ticket price has been reduced by approximately 60%, making air transport between the two countries much more accessible. Our goal is to continue being a bridge that unites our peoples, supporting the economic and social development of the region," concluded Pacheco.
"Air connectivity represents a beautiful example for the entire region, that it is possible and an eloquent testimony that together we can break down great myths, such as the lack of air connectivity in the Caribbean. This direct flight is the result of a joint effort and the shared vision of both governments to foster a closer relationship at all levels," Martínez said.
The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica reported that the governments of both countries have successfully concluded the negotiations for the signing of the long-awaited General Air Services Agreement, which was stalled for more than 12 years.
This direct flight establishment between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has been one of the 10 most important achievements of the Dominican Mission in Jamaica, highlighted in a series of information capsules in which the Embassy accounts for more than 500 achievements and executions of the management.
Air connectivity and increased trade and investments
The Dominican mission in Jamaica sees a direct connection between air and maritime connectivity, and the dynamism of trade and investments between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. From 2020 to date, Dominican exports to Jamaica have almost doubled. Before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020) Dominican exports to Jamaica were barely 74 million dollars, in 2022, it exceeded 134 million dollars, and the projection is that by 2023 it will be approximately 145 million dollars. In the case of investments, the Dominican Embassy in Kingston has attracted more than 65 million dollars in new investments and projects another 600 million dollars, particularly in the tourism sector.
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