Jamaica is moving swiftly to restore its tourism industry after Hurricane Melissa, with a goal of becoming fully operational by December 15, according to tourism minister Edmund Bartlett. The Ministry of Tourism has activated two key groups — the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee – to synchronize national recovery efforts across public and private sectors.
The Recovery Task Force, chaired by John Byles of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, includes leaders from major tourism organizations such as Sandals Resorts International, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. Their focus will be on rapid infrastructure assessments, resort rehabilitation, and readiness at airports, cruise ports, and attractions.
The Resilience Coordination Committee, chaired by Jessica Shannon of Sandals, will oversee aid, logistics, and industry collaboration to accelerate the island’s reopening. Bartlett emphasized transparency and communication, noting that progress reports will be shared regularly to help travelers and partners plan confidently. Jamaica’s recovery plan reflects both its resilient tourism leadership and its commitment to ensuring visitor confidence ahead of the 2025 winter travel season.
