Jamaica Targets Full Tourism Recovery by December 15 After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica is working to restore its tourism industry by December 15, 2025, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Tourism has established the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee to coordinate recovery efforts across public and private sectors.

"Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15," said Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

The Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force focuses on rapid assessments, product rehabilitation, and service readiness across resorts, attractions, airports, and key corridors. The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, known as Tourism Cares, organizes assistance in cash, goods, skilled volunteers, and technical expertise from the tourism community.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing extensive damage, including destruction of homes, hospitals, and churches, and forcing nearly 15,000 Jamaicans into shelters.

All international airports in Jamaica have reopened and are receiving commercial flights. However, tourism officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage to the sector, a mainstay of the island's economy.

Christopher Jarrett, head of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, noted that the popular Negril area in Westmoreland was spared major damage. He also mentioned that many hotels in Kingston and Ocho Rios are accommodating aid workers and volunteers, offering discounts and complimentary stays.

Tourism is Jamaica's main source of foreign exchange earnings, contributing approximately 30% to the gross domestic product and employing an estimated 175,000 people. The sector's swift recovery is crucial for the nation's economy.