TORONTO — As Jamaica intensifies recovery and relief operations following Hurricane Melissa, travel advisors from Canada are encouraged to participate in a virtual Town Hall. This significant event will be hosted by Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, on Thursday, November 13, at 1 p.m. EST.
Stewart expressed his enthusiasm in a recent Instagram Reel, stating, “Travel advisors, it’s Adam Stewart. Join me for a Town Hall to discuss everything happening in Jamaica, Sandals, and Beaches Resorts.” This event is designed specifically for the valued travel advisors of Sandals.
The online Town Hall will provide essential updates about Jamaica’s tourism landscape and details on recovery initiatives for Sandals and Beaches Resorts post-Hurricane Melissa. It offers an excellent chance for travel advisors to gain insights directly from Stewart regarding the island’s recovery efforts and Sandals’ ongoing commitment to community engagement across Jamaica.
“Thank you for the support shown to our country and its people. I look forward to our conversation,” Stewart remarked.
Travel advisors can register for the Town Hall here, which is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 1 p.m. EST.
Gary Sadler, EVP of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc., emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Mark your calendars! This is a crucial opportunity to gain insights into Jamaica’s recovery and learn about future plans for Sandals and Beaches Resorts as we strive to move forward together, stronger than ever. Don’t miss it!”
Sandals Resort Reopening Dates
Recently, Sandals Resorts International announced intended reopening dates for five of its Jamaican resorts: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril, which are set to reopen on December 6, 2025. The remaining three resorts, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast, are on a longer restoration timeline, reopening on May 30, 2026.
Tour Operator Updates
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, has anticipated that the island’s tourism sector will return to normal by December 15, coinciding with the beginning of the peak tourism season.
Several of Canada’s major tour operators have temporarily suspended their Jamaica programs, getting ready to support an influx of travelers to the island. ACV and Sunwing Vacations have paused their Jamaica offerings until November 15.
WestJet Vacations has also halted travel to Jamaica through November 15, with a possibility for extension as recovery efforts are ongoing. They have introduced a flexible rebooking policy for flights originally booked for Montego Bay, which now extends through January 4, 2026.
Transat recently shared an update indicating a pause in its Jamaica program until November 22.
More Resort Reopenings
Several Jamaican properties are eyeing December for reopening. Couples Resorts anticipates welcoming guests back on December 1, while Round Hill Hotel & Villas is set to resume operations on December 8.
Hyatt Inclusive Collection has suspended operations at eight of its Jamaican properties, with new reservations currently paused until January 31, 2026. The affected locations include Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa, and several others.
Despite this, Hyatt hotels across Jamaica will continue to waive cancellation fees for reservations until January 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, RIU Hotels and Resorts has indicated the following reopening dates: November 15 for Riu Negril, November 20 for Riu Montego Bay, and December 15 for Riu Palace Aquarelle. Riu Ocho Rios, which faced the least impact from Melissa, resumed bookings on November 9.
For more detailed information regarding the ongoing recovery efforts and tourism developments, visit the Jamaica Tourist Board’s FAQ page here.
