Already 300,000 after Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaica Tourist Board has officially announced that the island has surpassed the symbolic milestone of 300,000 visitors since Hurricane Melissa, an impressive result that Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett attributes to a particularly aggressive and coordinated recovery strategy.

By achieving its goal of fully restoring tourism activities by December 15th, just six weeks after the storm, Jamaica has achieved a spectacular turnaround that, according to Bartlett, has exceeded all initial expectations.

The minister praised the exceptional dedication of workers in the sector, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, emphasizing that this collective effort between hotels, attractions, transportation companies, and government agencies perfectly embodies the resilience of the Jamaican spirit.

This rapid recovery is vital for the island’s economic stability, where tourism accounts for more than 30% of GDP and provides a livelihood for a third of the working population.

« Every traveler who chooses this destination during this period becomes a direct participant in the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of local livelihoods, » the minister emphasized.

With a record 4.3 million tourists in 2024, the government remains committed to its goal of achieving a full and sustainable recovery by December 2026.

As Donovan White, the Director of Tourism, strongly reiterated, « the best way to support the destination is simply to visit, as Jamaica is more ready than ever to offer its authentic experiences and legendary hospitality to its international visitors. »