Government of Jamaica
Jamaica Eyes Recovery and Growth as Hotels Reopen – But the Work Is Not Done
When Category 5 Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica, it did more than damage buildings — it disrupted the rhythm of an industry that supports hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans. Hotels, attractions, community-based operators, vendors, and the informal economy all felt the impact. Tourism, long a lifeline for many, suddenly seemed vulnerable. Yet, six weeks later, signs of recovery suggest Jamaica may not only rebound, but return stronger.
Hotels and Attractions Reopening – The Comeback Begins
Major hotel chains moved swiftly after the storm, and several properties have already reopened, signaling confidence that Jamaica remains open for business. Sandals Resorts, long a cornerstone of the Jamaican hospitality landscape, led the charge in ensuring its resorts were restored and operational where possible, supporting the confidence of travellers and investors alike. RIU Hotels & Resorts has also been a key part of the rebound. As of late November 2025, RIU Ocho Rios, RIU Montego Bay, and RIU Palace Jamaica have reopened and are welcoming guests. The remaining four RIU properties – including RIU Negril, RIU Reggae, RIU Palace Tropical Bay and RIU Palace Aquarelle – are set to resume operations in phases by mid-December.
Beyond the large chains, many smaller and boutique hotels along the western corridor have begun repairs and resumed bookings. Negril and Montego Bay, two areas heavily affected by Melissa, are showing strong signs of life as reservations pick up ahead of the winter season. This recovery also aligns with the resumption of charter flights from Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands – a critical factor in restoring arrivals for the high-demand months ahead.
Tourism Was Already Resilient Before the Storm
Melissa arrived at a time when Jamaica’s tourism sector was experiencing a powerful rebound. Stopover arrivals were rising, cruise calls were increasing, and demand for accommodations and attractions was strong. Industry analysts predicted a robust 2025–2026 winter season. While the storm temporarily slowed progress, the long-term national target remains in place: 8 million annual visitors by 2030, generating US$10 billion in earnings. This goal reflects confidence in Jamaica’s brand, product, and future potential.
TPDCo – The Engine, But Not the Only One
As Jamaica moves toward full recovery, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) continues to play a critical role. But while TPDCo is a key engine in the sector, achieving recovery and reaching the 2030 targets requires an all-hands-on-deck approach across the tourism ecosystem.
A major part of TPDCo’s work now involves restoring the physical tourism product. This includes public beaches, craft hubs, heritage sites, town centres, and community-based attractions – the elements that shape Jamaica’s visitor experience. Sanitation and beautification efforts are also underway to restore the look and feel of key tourism areas.
Still, TPDCo cannot do this alone. Partnerships with municipal corporations, community organizations, local authorities, and private investors are essential to keeping the recovery timeline on track.
Another pillar of TPDCo’s mandate is quality assurance. The organization licenses and monitors hotels, guest houses, tour operators, attractions, and transport services to ensure they meet safety, hygiene, and service standards. However, maintaining a world-class tourism product depends on collaboration with hoteliers, tour operators, transport groups, and organizations like the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA). Jamaica’s reputation is shared – every partner helps uphold it.
Other Engines That Must Fire
TPDCo is not alone in steering tourism recovery. The sector functions like a well-tuned machine – and every part must move in sync for Jamaica to rebound fully. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) drives global marketing, airline negotiations, and travel partnerships, ensuring that international travelers know Jamaica is open, ready, and welcoming. At the same time, the cruise sector is working to rebuild momentum, strengthening coordination with attractions, transport operators, and port stakeholders. In the early days following Hurricane Melissa, we saw significant relief and logistical support flowing into the cruise subsector – led by Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC) – which helped stabilize operations and build the early momentum needed for recovery. The success of the cruise industry now depends on continued close collaboration among JAMVAC, port authorities, local partners, and TPDCo’s standards framework, ensuring that Jamaica delivers a seamless and high-quality visitor experience.
Supporting these efforts is the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which provides the financial fuel needed to restore the product – from infrastructure upgrades and safety initiatives to training and beautification projects. TEF’s investment powers what both TPDCo and the wider industry are able to deliver on the ground.
Working alongside these public bodies are the industry’s frontline partners: the JHTA, the Tourism Linkages Network, craft associations, villa groups, transport operators, and the Small and Medium Tourism Enterprise (SMTE) network. They maintain service quality, share readiness updates, and ensure the visitor experience remains authentically Jamaican.
Together, these agencies and partners form a unified ecosystem – each dependent on the other, each reinforcing the other. TPDCo may help lead the charge, but true recovery requires harmony, coordination, and shared responsibility across the entire tourism family.
So – What Now? We Rebuild, Reopen & Reimagine
Hurricane Melissa was a setback, but not a stopping point. With major hotels already reopening, flights returning, and agencies working together, Jamaica is positioning itself for a stronger, more resilient future. The road ahead will require investment, collaboration, and community participation. But if the country continues on this path, the goal of 8 million visitors by 2030 is within reach – along with a tourism sector that strengthens communities, expands opportunities, and honors Jamaica’s culture and natural beauty.