Jamaica is moving swiftly to rebuild its tourism sector after Hurricane Melissa battered parts of the island with 185-mile-per-hour winds on October 28.
Five weeks later, officials report significant progress, with the Jamaica Tourist Board reaffirming its goal of having most of the country’s tourism infrastructure operational by December 15. The date carries deep significance as the traditional start of the winter travel season, a critical period for an island where tourism accounts for roughly 35% of GDP and supports around 200,000 jobs.
While the storm left behind pockets of severe destruction – particularly among coastal hotels – other parts of the 146-mile-long island remained largely untouched. Airports, seaports and key transportation routes are once again open, signaling a strong rebound.
The return of airlift is equally encouraging: WestJet recently launched new service from Quebec to Montego Bay, one of the hardest-hit regions, demonstrating continued international confidence in Jamaica as a destination. Additionally, convention centers on the island are welcoming groups again, although a small number of events have been rescheduled as the recovery continues.
Resort Reopenings and Traveler Confidence
Among the most symbolic reopenings is Sandals Dunn’s River near Ocho Rios, which welcomed more than 200 travel advisors during its early December reopening phase. Sandals’ leadership emphasized not only the physical recovery of the resort but also the importance of supporting team members throughout the storm’s aftermath.
Employees received full pay, benefits and tips during the closure, a decision that drew standing ovations from guests and reinforced the brand’s longstanding reputation for taking care of its staff.
Booking retention numbers offer further optimism: 70% to 75% of pre-storm reservations at Sandals’ Jamaican properties remained intact. Travel advisors visiting the island reported strong confidence in recommending Jamaica to clients, noting that the vast majority of tourism areas are already prepared to host visitors.
This reinforces a broader truth often evident after storms in the Caribbean – recovery is rarely uniform, and many of Jamaica’s top tourism corridors experienced minimal damage.
Looking Ahead to the Winter Season
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, projects that approximately 80% of the nation’s room inventory will be available by the end of January, with some properties choosing to remain closed temporarily to rebuild to even higher standards. These improvements are part of a long-term strategy to strengthen resilience and elevate visitor experiences.
As the island approaches the winter holidays, the tone among tourism leaders is overwhelmingly optimistic. Jamaica’s recovery highlights not only the resiliency of its infrastructure but also the dedication of its hospitality workforce and the loyalty of travelers who continue to choose the island even in challenging times.
For visitors planning a winter getaway – whether to Montego Bay’s beaches, Negril’s cliffs, or the cultural rhythms of Kingston – Jamaica is ready to welcome them back with warmth, music and a renewed spirit.
