Jamaica Records 300,000 Visitors Following Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica has welcomed over 300,000 visitors since Hurricane Melissa, indicating steady progress in the island’s tourism recovery. This total includes both stopover guests and cruise passengers, marking a key milestone in reviving travel activity ahead of winter. Major resort regions remain operational and are welcoming visitors as recovery efforts continue across the island.
Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, attributed the milestone to coordinated recovery planning and collaboration across the tourism sector. He confirmed that Jamaica remains on track to restore tourism operations by December 15, just over six weeks after the Category 5 hurricane made landfall.
Key tourism destinations, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Kingston, are open and providing services to international and regional travellers. Airports across the island—Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios—have resumed normal operations, with airlines maintaining regular flight schedules.
By the end of the month, approximately 71% of hotels are expected to be operational, with further reopenings projected through early 2026. Attractions across the island have also resumed operations, allowing visitors to engage with Jamaica’s cultural offerings, cuisine, music, and local communities.
“This recovery has been the result of collective effort across the tourism industry,” said Minister Bartlett.
“Hotels, attractions, transport providers, and government agencies have worked together to ensure that Jamaica is ready to receive visitors, while supporting communities affected by the hurricane.”
Donovan White, Director of Tourism, emphasized the role of visitors in the recovery process.
“Travel to Jamaica directly supports workers and businesses as they continue rebuilding. The island is prepared to welcome guests in a safe and organised environment.”
Tourism contributes more than 30% of Jamaica’s GDP and supports roughly one-third of employment nationwide. The sector’s recovery remains central to economic stability and household income generation across the island.
Jamaica welcomed 4.3 million visitors in 2024, and tourism officials are optimistic about a full sector recovery by December 2026. The progress so far underscores the importance of coordinated planning, infrastructure upgrades, and industry collaboration in maintaining the island’s tourism economy.
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