Jamaica has set its sights on a bold recovery plan for its tourism sector following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The island’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, has announced a firm target date of December 15 for the industry to be fully operational again.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by Dec. 15,” said Mr Bartlett.
“Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors and partners can plan with confidence.”
The island’s recovery plan centres around a coordinated national effort.
Two new bodies – the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (branded “Tourism Cares”) – have been mobilised to bring together government agencies, private-sector operators and community groups.
Their agenda: restore airports and seaports, repair roads and utilities, support hotels and attractions, and rebuild visitor confidence.
Major hubs like Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston are already reopening for commercial flights, though with limited capacity while repairs continue.
Hotels and resorts along the north and west coasts – which took the heaviest hit – are reopening in phases.
Some properties aim to welcome guests by early December, while others are aligning with the December 15 target.
Recovery work is still underway and some areas have limited amenities during ongoing repair work.
