Jamaica Tourism Reopens Steadily After Hurricane Melissa, Visitor Arrivals Resume
Jamaica’s tourism industry is showing resilience as the island returns to regular operations following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025.
In the seven weeks after the storm, Jamaica welcomed close to 300,000 visitors, indicating renewed traveller confidence and a gradual recovery in demand.
Both of the country’s main airports, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, resumed scheduled activity soon after the weather system passed. This helped airlines, hotels, and tourism-linked businesses continue operations with limited disruption.
According to Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, more than 70% of the island’s hotel inventory is now open and receiving guests. This includes key properties across Montego Bay, Kingston, and Jamaica’s north coast. White said the progress reflects coordinated work by tourism teams, hotel operators, and government agencies to restore services and prepare facilities for visitors.
He added that Jamaica continues to focus on recovery efforts in affected communities while maintaining guest safety and service standards across the tourism network. Visitor preparedness and local rehabilitation remain priorities as the island moves through phased reopening. Tourism arrivals through 2026 are projected to reach approximately 70%-80% of pre-hurricane levels as more capacity returns to the market.
Tourism continues to play an important role in national recovery and employment, supporting local businesses and community services during the rebuilding period. Looking ahead, Jamaica will host the Love Caribbean – Jamaica Edition destination wedding and romance travel conference from May 11 to 14, 2026, at Princess Grand Jamaica in Hanover. The event is expected to bring together travel advisors, wedding planners, and hospitality partners to explore opportunities in the region’s celebration travel segment.
With visitor numbers improving, hotel inventory reopening across major tourism corridors, and international engagement continuing, Jamaica’s tourism sector is progressing toward stable recovery and remains a key contributor to the country’s economic activity.
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