What’s the best way to support Jamaica? “Visit us,” says Minister of Tourism

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett is urging travellers not to give up on the island as it works to recover from Hurricane Melissa, the Category 5 storm that swept through on October 28.

“Jamaica needs our partners now more than ever and the best way to support our tourism sector and economy is to visit us,” said Minister Bartlett in a statement issued Wednesday (Nov. 5).

Post-hurricane recovery and restoration efforts are underway in Jamaica, which is targeting a full tourism restart on December 15.

Over the past week, several island resorts — including Sandals, Beaches, Royalton, and Couples — have announced their reopening timelines after assessing the damage from Melissa, giving travellers a clearer sense of when they can expect to return.

In his latest update, Minister Bartlett acknowledged the “challenging” situation for locals and visitors alike as the island restores infrastructure and services.

“The government remains committed to working tirelessly to get our sectors in the country back to normal as soon as possible,” he said.

33 hotels open for business

All three of Jamaica’s international airports are now open, which means “Jamaica is open to welcome visitors,” Bartlett went on to say.

“While some damage was sustained to the western parts of Jamaica, including some hotels in that region, we want to assure you that there are other resort areas across the island that remain open for business,” he said.

Bartlett confirmed that, as of yesterday, 33 hotels are open for business.

“We have completed our clean-up, conducted structural and safety assessments, accounted for and provided for our teams, and are now ready to welcome back visitors,” he said, noting that all properties remain committed to meeting Jamaica’s December 15 deadline for resuming tourism.

In addition to those 33 hotels, more than 50 hotels are open to receiving bookings for future stays, Bartlett added.

Hotels in Ocho Rios, St. Mary, Portland, and Kingston are also now running at almost full capacity, he said.

Additionally, some of Jamaica’s hotel partners in Montego Bay, Negril and the South Coast are open and ready to welcome visitors, he added.

“We're committed to working with you all to support our island's recovery and to reassure visitors that their dream vacations to Jamaica can continue safely,” the Minister said. “Together, we can help our communities rebuild while keeping the heart of Jamaican tourism beating strong.”

Other ways to help

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in Canada is also seeking help from within the travel advisor community.

This week, Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the JTB, posted a flyer for the Jamaica Tourism Cares initiative, inviting the industry (and their customers) to support the following registered charities:

• Breds Treasure Beach
• Sandals Foundation 
• Hanover Charities 
• Rockhouse Foundation 
• Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation Canada 
• Food for the Poor Canada 
• Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation 

Donors are advised to note "Jamaica Tourism Cares" on their donation to dedicate their contribution to impacted tourism communities.

“Jamaica needs the world and the world needs Jamaica,” Bennett said in a video posted to social media. “There is no alright, no feel good without music, culture and people. Right now the devastation is harsh. It’s unimaginable.”

Click here for more ways to help Jamaica as it recovers from Hurricane Melissa. 

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