Caribbean Tourism Recovery Takes Center Stage as Jamaica and Haiti Pledge to Rebuild, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 15, 2025

During a Holiday Dinner & Fundraiser event by Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in Miami, a commitment towards a tourism-led recovery emerged among Jamaica and Haiti in light of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa. The dinner event, which took place in Loews Coral Gables Hotel during Caribbean Weekend of CTO, stood as an important platform where both countries communicated their key elements in a rebuilt future with assistance from the international community.

Turning Resilience into Action: Jamaica’s Call for a Science-Driven Approach

In his keynote address, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, emphasized the importance of moving beyond the concept of resilience as merely a slogan. He called for a more scientific, systematic approach to disaster preparedness, urging the Caribbean to adapt to an era of increasingly frequent and intense mega-storms.

Minister Bartlett stated that the region must invest in anticipatory measures to limit the impacts of climate events and accelerate recovery. He stressed that the Caribbean’s legendary resilience must evolve into a science-driven strategy, equipping nations with the necessary tools to recover quickly and sustainably.

Hurricane Melissa caused substantial damage to Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, with initial estimates indicating that the storm’s impact could result in losses amounting to 28-32% of the nation’s GDP, with some international estimates surpassing US$10 billion. Despite these staggering figures, Bartlett remained confident in tourism’s role as the cornerstone of Jamaica’s recovery. He passionately stated, “When tourism restarts, incomes return, hope returns, and dignity returns.”

The Role of Tourism in Economic Rebound

Tourism is a significant pillar of the Caribbean economy, contributing more than 30% to GDP in several Caribbean nations, and in some, like Jamaica, it supports over 60% of the economy. Tourism directly and indirectly sustains over 300,000 jobs in Jamaica alone, highlighting the sector’s importance not only for economic recovery but for the livelihoods of countless individuals.

The storm’s destruction underscored the urgency of rebuilding the tourism infrastructure, not only to restore economic stability but also to boost national morale. Bartlett linked the recovery of the tourism sector to the recovery of the nation itself, framing the revival of travel and tourism as central to both Jamaica’s economic revival and its path to a stronger, more resilient future.

Haiti’s Resilience and Commitment to Recovery

Haiti, too, has been heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Innocent Junior Richard, Deputy Chief of Staff to Haiti’s Minister of Tourism, delivered a heartfelt message to delegates, emphasizing the nation’s determination to rise from the disaster. Despite the severe disruptions caused by the storm, Richard stressed that Haiti refuses to be defined by its hardships.

“We want to let CTO know that we’re still alive, we’re still fighting,” Richard declared. “When Haitians say ‘Sak Pase,’ you answer ‘N’ap boule,’ meaning ‘we’re fighting, and we continue to fight.’” His words resonated deeply with the audience, as he urged those in attendance to show solidarity through financial support for both Haiti and Jamaica.

Richard’s address not only conveyed the nation’s commitment to recovery but also highlighted Haiti’s resilience in the face of adversity. He encouraged the global tourism community to support Haiti’s return to tourism prominence, reinforcing the idea that tourism will once again be a key driver for Haiti’s future development.

CTO’s Support and Fundraising Efforts

The CTO’s Holiday Dinner & Fundraiser was not only a platform for discussing the recovery priorities of Jamaica and Haiti but also a vital fundraising event aimed at supporting tourism workers who were impacted by the storm. The event garnered strong support from industry stakeholders, reinforcing the sense of unity within the Caribbean tourism sector.

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, framed the moment as a collective effort. He said, “We’re coming together as one Caribbean family, united by our resilience, our creativity, and our shared hope for the future.” This sentiment of unity was echoed by both Jamaican and Haitian officials, as they reiterated their commitment to working together to rebuild and restore the Caribbean’s tourism appeal.

The proceeds from the fundraiser were designated to assist those in the tourism industry whose livelihoods were directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. This initiative is just one of many steps being taken to ensure that the tourism workforce is supported during the recovery process.

The Future of Caribbean Tourism

Minister Bartlett’s appeal for a scientific approach to resilience underlines the fact that the Caribbean needs to be better prepared for the next storm, in order to safeguard tourism as a perennial source of revenue and jobs. In Haiti, recovery is a long process, but with sustained support from international partners and a concentrated effort to rebuild the tourism infrastructure, the country can again welcome visitors from all over the world.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean has manifested strength, resiliency, and adaptability. With tourism lying at the heart of these recovery efforts, both Jamaica and Haiti set an example for the whole world of how nations can surmount disaster and rebuild stronger, more sustainable tourism industries for the future.