Jamaica's tourism sector has set a target of December 15 for complete operational restoration following Hurricane Melissa, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. The ministry established a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee to align rebuilding efforts across government agencies and private enterprises.
John Byles from Chukka Caribbean Adventures leads the task force, which includes representatives from Sandals Resorts International, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, and multiple tourism agencies. The group will expedite damage evaluations and coordinate infrastructure repairs at hotels, beaches, transportation hubs and visitor corridors. Minister Bartlett emphasized that systematic tracking and regular public reporting will enable tourism workers and international partners to prepare with certainty.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will channel donations, including cash, supplies, volunteer labor and technical assistance through the government portal at supportjamaica.gov.jm. Resources will reach tourism employees, small businesses and communities that support the visitor economy. Bartlett highlighted that rapid coordinated action demonstrates the industry's strength through collaboration, drawing on experience from Jamaica's recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic to inform current strategies.
John Byles from Chukka Caribbean Adventures leads the task force, which includes representatives from Sandals Resorts International, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, and multiple tourism agencies. The group will expedite damage evaluations and coordinate infrastructure repairs at hotels, beaches, transportation hubs and visitor corridors. Minister Bartlett emphasized that systematic tracking and regular public reporting will enable tourism workers and international partners to prepare with certainty.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will channel donations, including cash, supplies, volunteer labor and technical assistance through the government portal at supportjamaica.gov.jm. Resources will reach tourism employees, small businesses and communities that support the visitor economy. Bartlett highlighted that rapid coordinated action demonstrates the industry's strength through collaboration, drawing on experience from Jamaica's recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic to inform current strategies.
