As Jamaica and Cuba begin their recovery from Hurricane Melissa, the Canadian travel sector is optimistic about the restoration of these beloved Caribbean destinations. Angella Bennett, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director for Canada, conveyed her support and provided updates shortly after the storm made landfall on Jamaica.
“Today has been a real challenge for everyone at the JTB as we await the storm’s departure,” Bennett shared on social media. “While we prepared as best we could, facing a Category 5 hurricane is beyond what anyone can fully prepare for.”
The hardest-hit area appears to be Jamaica’s southern parish of St. Elizabeth, which has now suffered substantial damage, reminiscent of the impact seen during Hurricane Beryl in 2024. “St. Elizabeth is bearing the brunt of this hurricane once again,” Bennett noted.
Assessing the Damage
The significant challenge for Jamaica now lies in assessing the overall damage and communicating with international travel markets, particularly Canada. Essential updates on the status of various locations across Jamaica are crucial, especially for those areas that experienced minimal effects from the storm.
Post-storm webcam footage from Half Way Tree in downtown Kingston has shown a calm city, with locals returning to their routines. However, as of late Tuesday, over half a million residents were still without power. Despite these challenges, the Jamaican government aims to reopen all airports by Thursday to facilitate emergency relief efforts.
Air Traffic and Travel Updates
Air Canada and other Canadian airlines have responded with flexible rebooking policies for flights impacted by Hurricane Melissa. For Air Canada, travel alerts apply to routes including Kingston and Montego Bay. Travelers can find more details on [Air Canada’s official website](https://www.aircanada.com).
WestJet has also updated its flexible booking options for destinations in Cuba and Jamaica. Travelers can get more information by visiting [WestJet’s website](https://www.westjet.com). Furthermore, Air Transat has operated repatriation flights from Holguin, with details on their policies available on [Air Transat’s website](https://www.airtransat.com).
Sunwing Vacations has alerted customers to check flight statuses for potential delays or cancellations. With Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay shut down until October 29, effective travel planning is essential for those heading to or from Jamaica.
Impact on Cuba
In Cuba, the storm has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane after passing through the eastern provinces. The Cuba Tourist Board confirmed that the storm’s interaction with the Sierra Maestra Mountains significantly reduced its intensity. Calm conditions have been reported in some municipalities, although intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds persisted in the region.
As of 9 a.m. today, Hurricane Melissa exited near Banes, moving out to sea. Tour operators have managed repatriation flights, and only a small number of tourists remain in Holguin. Guests who chose to stay were safely accommodated at the Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel, while others have been relocated to Cayo Coco.
The Cuba Tourist Board continues to urge travelers to check with their airlines or travel agents regarding flight statuses, as airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguín remain closed.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of individuals in the affected regions,” stated Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto. The Board remains in coordination with Cuba’s Civil Defense to ensure a systematic response to the situation.
Current Travel Conditions
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa, other popular tourist destinations in Cuba, including Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, and Havana, remain fully operational and safe for visitors.
As the travel industry monitors the situation, it is essential to remain informed about travel advisories and updates for both Jamaica and Cuba. The situation continues to evolve, and the focus remains on recovery and ensuring safe travel for all visitors.
For ongoing updates and further information about travel to these regions, it is advisable to consult reliable sources. Always prioritize safety and stay informed through official tourism websites and travel advisories.
