Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced a recovery plan aiming for full restoration of the sector by May 2026, following Hurricane Melissa. He reported that two-thirds of major tourist destinations are already operational, with expectations for over 70 percent of hotel rooms and attractions to be available soon. The western part of the island, including Montego Bay, sustained the most significant damage.
Minister Bartlett emphasized the economic importance of tourism, which accounts for a substantial portion of the nation's GDP and employment. He encouraged travelers to support the island's recovery by visiting, stating that the best way to help is to return. A multi-agency task force is coordinating the rebuilding effort, which incorporates climate-resilient technology to build back a stronger infrastructure.
Minister Bartlett emphasized the economic importance of tourism, which accounts for a substantial portion of the nation's GDP and employment. He encouraged travelers to support the island's recovery by visiting, stating that the best way to help is to return. A multi-agency task force is coordinating the rebuilding effort, which incorporates climate-resilient technology to build back a stronger infrastructure.
