KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, Jamaica’s tourism sector is on course to rebound significantly by December 15, according to John Lynch, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board.
On October 31, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced a target date for the full recovery of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, aligning with the start of the winter season, a key time for the industry. “December 15 has traditionally marked the beginning of our winter tourism peak,” Lynch stated in a recent interview.
The hurricane, which unleashed winds of up to 185 miles per hour, caused notable damage but also left many areas of the 146-mile island relatively untouched. Lynch remarked that the storm created “pockets” of severe destruction, making its impact uniquely varied and challenging for recovery efforts.
Christopher Jarrett, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, alongside John Lynch, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst
While several hotels were significantly affected and remain closed, both airports and seaports across the island have resumed operations. Notably, Canada’s WestJet launched a new service from Quebec to Montego Bay on December 6, demonstrating robust confidence in Jamaica’s tourism recovery.
The Montego Bay convention centers are also back in action. “We have encountered some cancellations and postponements,” Lynch noted, “but we are actively collaborating with affected groups to accommodate their needs.”
Tourism plays a vital role in Jamaica’s economy, contributing approximately 35% to the GDP and providing direct employment to around 200,000 individuals. This emphasizes the urgency and importance of swift recovery efforts in the sector.
Sandals executive chairman Adam Stewart addressing travel advisors at Sandals Dunn’s River. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst
One key property that reopened ahead of the December date is the Sandals Dunn’s River, located near Ocho Rios. From December 3 to 6, the resort welcomed 215 travel advisors for discussions, led by Sandals executive chairman Adam Stewart, who assured them that all Jamaican employees were compensated through the storm’s aftermath.
“The culture and warmth of Jamaica are unmatched,” Stewart stated, emphasizing the spirit of the island. He also reported that about 70% to 75% of bookings prior to the storm have remained intact.
Travel advisors seem optimistic about the destination’s prospects. Dale Van Camp, manager of Hay Hay Vacay Travel Consultants in Wausau, Wisconsin, expressed confidence that he would endorse Jamaica to clients, saying, “I will let them know that Jamaica is ready for the most part.”
Donovan White, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, projects that approximately 80% of the nation’s room inventory will be available by the end of January, excluding a few establishments that are choosing to focus on long-term improvements.
