Jamaica Rushes to Prepare for Peak Tourism Season While Recovering from Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica is facing a race against time to restore its tourism infrastructure ahead of the peak winter travel season, after Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage, especially in the northwest and southwest regions.

Prior to the storm, the government projected around 7% growth and 4.3 million visitors for the upcoming season. Now the focus is on repairing hotels, clearing debris, restoring power and transport, and re-establishing connectivity in remote areas.

Major tourism-industry associations are reporting significant operational disruption: nearly half the island is reported to be without electricity, some 25 communities remain isolated, and smaller hotels and tour operators are particularly vulnerable.

Resort chains are pledging reopening dates and special offers to reassure global travellers, while local authorities are emphasising that key resorts in safer zones (e.g., Negril) remain operational and accessible, in an effort to salvage visitor flow.

The situation highlights the broader economic dependence of island economies on tourism: employment, local business income, and foreign-exchange earnings are all on the line.

Travel advisors and tour-operators are urging clients to check status updates and flexibility options, as programme changes, logistical constraints and service variability remain likely during the recovery period.