(Jamaica Observer) OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill has hailed Copa Airlines for its decision to host its annual convention in Jamaica, especially at a time when the airline has doubled its capacity to Jamaica, improving the possibility of more visitors from Latin America, which Copa serves.
An optimistic Dr McNeill, speaking at the opening ceremony of the ninth Copa Airlines annual convention held at the Sandals Grand Riviera in Ocho Rios on Thursday evening, said he expected significant growth out of Latin American markets where Copa has wide connections.
According to the minister, 18,700 passengers arrived in the island last year from Latin American countries, via Copa Airlines, which he said was an increase of 50.9 per cent when compared to the previous year.
“We have seen phenomenal growth from the Latin American market in response to our marketing efforts. The average growth rate within the last five years has been an impressive 11.6 per cent per year,” Dr McNeill said.
Copa, which is hosting its convention for the first time in Jamaica, has been flying into the Jamaican capital, Kingston, since 1969.
However, it was a little over a year ago that the airline started flying into Montego Bay, St James. Since that time the airline has doubled flights to the island, Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa, told persons gathered for the historic event on Thursday.
Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who was among the specially invited guests, said the convention which saw agents from more than 100 agents from Latin American countries coming to the island, was important for Jamaica. He said it was “an opportunity to begin a partnership that can be long and lasting”.
Travel agents attending the four-day event will get a chance to visit several attractions as well as enjoy Jamaica’s culture. Copa representatives from various countries are also expected to meet with hoteliers and other tourism interest groups during their four-day convention, scheduled to end tomorrow.
According to Heilbron, each year Copa meets with its Latin American delegates and highlights one of its markets. “This year we are highlighting Jamaica, highlighting Montego Bay, Ocho Rios…,” he said.
“We think this market is going to continue growing in the future; we are very positive,” he added, stating that the support from the Ministry of Tourism and hotels have been amazing.
Jamaica was reportedly chosen above three other Caribbean islands as the choice for this year’s Copa convention.
