On Oct. 28, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, causing extensive damage and prompting urgency amongst travel advisors and businesses. Addison Jaynes, the founder and CEO of Reliant Destinations, monitored the situation closely from his office in Montego Bay, where he witnessed alarming events before the livestream abruptly cut out. As the Category 5 hurricane approached, Jaynes feared for the safety of his employees, a concern that persisted for almost three days until he could establish contact with them.
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa was devastating. The hotel industry faced significant setbacks, with major properties forced to close their doors until spring. Travel advisors were tasked with rebooking clients who had plans to visit Jamaica, as many customers sought alternative destinations or postponed trips altogether.
Travel Advisors Respond to Hurricane Melissa’s Impact
Lesley Sawhook, the owner of Exclusive Travel Partners, noted that travelers who love Jamaica expressed eagerness to return as soon as it is safe. Sawhook stated that her clients, having previously visited the island, are keen to support Jamaica’s tourism recovery.
In the lead-up to the hurricane, travel agencies were already in a frenzy trying to move clients to safer destinations. Jaynes reported that his team worked diligently to reschedule guests scheduled to visit Jamaica and to assist those already on the island in making safe travel arrangements.
Supporting Jamaica’s Recovery and Resilience
Jaynes emphasized the importance of tourism in aiding Jamaica’s economic recovery. As most of Sandals’ properties in Jamaica, excluding a few, are expected to reopen by December 6, he remains optimistic about the island’s recovery, stating, “Jamaica is resilient.” His commitment to supporting tourism reflects a broader trend among travel advisors who are working hard to divert clients to neighboring Caribbean islands or to Mexico until Jamaica is fully operational again.
Sandals’ price-protection policy also allows guests to switch their reservations to alternate locations without incurring extra costs. For example, Sawhook successfully relocated clients with plans to visit a Sandals resort in Jamaica to a Sandals property in St. Lucia.
Alternative Destinations During Recovery
With the ongoing uncertainty regarding Jamaican travel, many advisors are directing their clients toward other Caribbean locations or to destinations in Mexico. Notably, the Dominican Republic has emerged as a popular option, especially for travelers looking for strong all-inclusive offerings similar to those available in Jamaica.
Emma Major Schroeder, founder of Major Traveler, observes that flexibility in airline policies is crucial in this situation. Clients with bookings tied to specific airlines often encounter limitations on available destinations, as most airlines are providing waivers rather than refunds. This consistency across various carriers means some travelers may have to stick with flights that feature limited options.
Insurance Coverage Benefits
Travel insurance has proven essential for many clients. Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel, champions the value of cancel-for-any-reason plans offered by providers like FunJet, which allow travelers to change their plans without penalty. This flexibility can make a significant difference in securing new vacation arrangements while reducing stress for clients facing changes due to Hurricane Melissa.
In conclusion, as the dust settles from Hurricane Melissa’s impact, travel advisors continue to play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of trip modifications and ensuring their clients have a path forward. The tourism industry is poised for recovery, and firm support will be instrumental in bringing guests back to beautiful Jamaica.
For ongoing updates about travel and tourism in the Caribbean, follow the latest reports from Travel Weekly.
