Cuba: tourist infrastructure “largely unaffected" by Melissa; airports start to reopen

The Cuba Tourist Board on Thursday (Oct. 30) shared an update on the impact and recovery efforts in the eastern part of the island following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Initial assessments confirm that while some regions sustained damage, key tourist infrastructure was “largely unaffected,” the tourist board said, noting that the recovery phase has already begun.

The tourist board also says there were no reported losses of human life.

The high-profile storm weakened to a Category 2 hurricane early Wednesday (Oct. 29) and moved through the eastern part of the country.

The hurricane's interaction with the Sierra Maestra Mountain range has contributed to its reduced intensity, the tourist board said.

As previously reported, the central region of the storm passed through the province of Holguín.  As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the hurricane was exiting the coast near Banes, moving out to sea at 22 km/h. Intense rainfall and strong wings were experienced throughout the region.

On Monday, tour operators operated repatriation flights, leaving only 33 tourists (including Canadians) remaining in Holguin; these guests were safely evacuated to the Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel,

Tourist infrastructure and hotel facilities suffered no serious structural damage, the tourist board said Thursday.

“The primary impacts in the eastern region involved obstructed roads and damage to power and telephone lines. Necessary resources have been deployed for repairs, and it is estimated that tourist operations in Holguin will return to normal within the next five days,” the update reads.

The Frank Pais International airport in Holguin has been operational since 7:00 a.m. today (Oct. 30). However, the Santiago de Cuba airport remains closed at this time.

The Cuba Tourist Board recommends that travellers with upcoming plans contact their travel advisor or airline directly for the most current updates.

All other major tourist destinations across the country, including Jardines del Rey, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Havana continue to operate normally, the tourist board said.

"Our top priority is always the safety of both our visitors and residents, and we are relieved that no lives were lost. The resilience and immediate action of our emergency services have been outstanding, and recovery efforts are progressing swiftly in the affected areas. While the east is focusing on getting back to normal, we want to reassure travellers that the rest of the island remains open and ready to welcome them with the exceptional hospitality Cuba is known for,” said Gihana Galindo, director of the Cuba Tourist Board, in a statement.

Hurricane Melissa is now moving away from the Greater Antilles towards Bermuda. Prior to Cuba, the storm delivered a devastating Category 5 landfall in Jamaica, where recovery and restoration efforts are now underway.

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