Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller celebrated the commencement of the 2012/2013 Winter Tourist Season at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, with the official welcoming of the first visitors to Jamaica, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Chelsea Derby from Fort Lauderdale, USA.

They were among approximately 400 visitors on the first of a number of flights that were scheduled to take an estimated 5,000 visitors to Jamaica on the first day of what is expected to be a “bumper” winter tourist season.

It’s never too early to plan your escape from the season’s frigid temperatures. With affordable packages available to Jamaica, starting as low as $81 per night, travelers can trade in the snow for some fun in a warm, diverse and affordable destination.

“Jamaica is a year-round vacation destination offering savings on travel that suit every budget,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Many of our hotels and resorts provide great value-added packages that will make for an even more memorable getaway. With more non-stop airlift than any other English-speaking Caribbean island, getting to Jamaica is even more convenient for travelers looking for that ideal vacation.”

Here is a sample of winter packages for travelers to take advantage of this year. All prices are quoted in USD:

Jamaica’s tourism product continues to expand as is evidenced by the boom in both new room capacity and the number of attractions available to tourists who visit the island.  With more things to see and places to go, visitors need to be sure that their money is well spent as they aim to have the ultimate Jamaican experience.  Di Jamaican Flava Transfers & Tours, a tour operator based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was conceptualized and birthed to fill this need.

Copa Airlines and the Jamaica Tourist Board today announced an increase in service between the airline’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama (PTY) and Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, to four times a week starting December 17. 

The Copa flight will depart Panama at 9:38 a.m. on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving in Montego Bay at 11:35 a.m. Return flights will depart MBJ at 12:31 p.m., and arrive at PTY at 2:22 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Copa inaugurated the route in August 2011 with twice-weekly service.