Jamaica records 70K arrivals in first week of winter; hurricane recovery continues

Jamaica recorded more than 70,000 visitor arrivals in the first seven days of its winter tourist season, signaling continued confidence in the destination as it recovers from Hurricane Melissa.

Of the total arrivals, approximately 46,000 were stopover visitors, while 30,000 arrived by cruise ships, reflecting demand across both airlift and cruise segments. 

Since Hurricane Melissa's passage on October 28, Jamaica has welcomed 370,000 visitors and earned an estimated US$331.2 million.

"Our recovery is not only about increasing visitor numbers," said Minister of Tourism Hon Edmund Bartlett. 

"It is also about ensuring that the men and women who power our tourism industry are supported as we build back stronger. These numbers equate to USD331.2 million in earnings and mean real jobs for our workers and earnings for the country's economy."

The tourism sector has earmarked over $2 billion to assist workers in stabilizing their livelihoods and meeting household needs. 

Part of the recovery initiative includes the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP), which aims to support more than 5,000 tourism workers whose homes were damaged by the hurricane. 

More than 150 workers will receive initial support.

"Investing in tourism workers remains central to building a more resilient and inclusive tourism industry—one that delivers benefits not just to businesses and visitors, but to Jamaican families and communities across the island," Bartlett said.

"Our partners and stakeholders continue to invest in the island's tourism recovery which highlights a deep sense of confidence that we will build back even better," said Donovan White, director of tourism.

The Minister of Tourism continues dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen labour market arrangements within the sector, securing tenure and support for workers as the recovery progresses.

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