Jamaica Tourism Surges Back After Hurricane Melissa with 70,000 Winter Arrivals

By: Juergen T Steinmetz |Eturbonews.com| Photos by: Eturbonews.com

Jamaica’s winter tourism season has opened strongly, welcoming over 70,000 visitors in its first week. Since Hurricane Melissa, the island has recorded 370,000 arrivals and USD 331 million in earnings, supported by major relief programmes for tourism workers.

Jamaica has opened its winter tourism season with a decisive rebound, welcoming more than 70,000 visitors in the first seven days, signalling renewed traveler confidence just weeks after Hurricane Melissa disrupted the island’s tourism sector.

The early winter performance underscores Jamaica’s resilience as one of the Caribbean’s most established tourism destinations, even in the face of climate-related disruptions.

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Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said the recovery strategy is focused not only on restoring visitor numbers but also on protecting the livelihoods of tourism workers.

“Our recovery is not just about arrivals,” Bartlett said. “These figures represent real jobs, real income, and real stability for the men and women who power Jamaica’s tourism industry.”

Worker Support Central to Recovery Strategy

As part of its post-hurricane response, the government has earmarked more than JMD 2 billion in relief and stabilization support for tourism workers. The funding is intended to help workers meet household needs, maintain financial security, and remain active participants in the sector’s recovery.

A key component of this effort is the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP), which supports tourism workers whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Melissa. The programme has begun assisting more than 150 workers, with a target of reaching over 5,000 workers before completion.

Bartlett emphasized that long-term resilience depends on people, not just infrastructure.

“Investing in tourism workers is central to building a more inclusive and resilient industry—one that delivers benefits to families and communities across Jamaica.”

Industry Confidence Remains Strong

Director of Tourism Donovan White said continued investment from airline, cruise, and hospitality partners reflects sustained confidence in Jamaica’s tourism product.

“Our partners continue to invest in Jamaica’s recovery, which speaks volumes about confidence in the destination and its long-term prospects,” White said.

The Ministry of Tourism is also maintaining ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders to strengthen labour arrangements, job security, and workforce support as the recovery progresses.

With peak winter travel now underway, tourism officials remain optimistic that growing arrivals—combined with targeted worker assistance—will reinforce Jamaica’s broader economic recovery and position the island for long-term sustainable tourism growth.