Jamaica sees 300,000 visitors post Hurricane Melissa

Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has attributed the island’s 300,000 visitor mark post Hurricane Melissa, to the sector’s remarkable recovery strategy.

This is a significant milestone, that includes both stopover and cruise visitors, in the island’s recovery, with major resort areas fully operational and welcoming visitors for the crucial winter season.

Following the Category 5 hurricane, Jamaica has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination to restore its position as the Caribbean’s premier destination.

Key tourism resorts including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Kingston are now open for business and ready to provide world-class experiences to visitors from around the globe.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has also confirmed that Jamaica will meet its target of restoring tourism operations by December 15, marking an impressive turnaround just over six weeks after the storm. 

All major airports, including Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, have resumed normal operations.

Major airlines have also resumed and maintain regular flight schedules. By the end of the month approximately 71% of hotels will be reopened, with projections indicating that number will rise significantly through early 2026.

Popular attractions throughout the island are also fully operational, including and visitors can once again experience Jamaica’s rich culture, vibrant music scene, authentic cuisine, and renowned hospitality in a safe and welcoming environment.

Tourism accounts for over 30% of Jamaica’s GDP and supports approximately a third of jobs across the island.

The swift recovery of the sector is critical not only for economic stability but also for the thousands of Jamaican families whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry.

Jamaica received 4.3 million visitors in 2024, and tourism officials remain confident in a full recovery by December 2026.

The resilience demonstrated by Jamaica’s tourism sector, combined with the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness, positions the destination for continued growth.