Jamaica And Bahamas Joins Dominica, US Virgin Islands, Cuba, And Other Caribbean Countries Grappling With Major Tourism Roadblocks As They Recover From Hurricane Devastation

Published on November 22, 2025

Jamaica and Bahamas joins Dominica, US Virgin Islands, Cuba, and other Caribbean countries grappling with major tourism roadblocks as they recover from hurricane devastation, as these nations face significant setbacks in their tourism sectors. The aftermath of powerful storms like Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas has left their economies reeling, with widespread damage to infrastructure, resorts, and key tourism sites. As these islands work to rebuild, they must navigate not only the immediate destruction caused by hurricanes but also the long-term challenges posed by climate change and economic vulnerability. This has led to a sharp decline in visitor arrivals, highlighting the urgent need for economic diversification and more resilient tourism models.

The Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is once again facing a harsh reality: tourism, the lifeblood of many island nations, is grappling with major roadblocks. Jamaica and the Bahamas are now firmly in this battle, joining the ranks of Dominica, the US Virgin Islands, Cuba, and other Caribbean nations that have been severely impacted by hurricanes and climate change. As these islands work to recover from widespread devastation, they must confront not only the immediate aftermath of natural disasters but also the long-term economic and environmental challenges that hinder their tourism industry’s revival.

Hurricane Melissa’s Aftermath: A Devastating Blow to Jamaica and the Bahamas

Jamaica and the Bahamas have long depended on tourism as a cornerstone of their economies. In 2024, tourism contributed approximately 40-50% of GDP for both nations, underscoring the importance of this sector. However, recent hurricanes, including Hurricane Melissa, have delivered crippling blows to these industries. Jamaica’s economy alone is expected to bear up to US$8.8 billion in damage from the storm, with tourism infrastructure, including hotels and resorts, being hit the hardest. The Bahamas, reeling from the aftereffects of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and additional storms since, is also seeing a significant decline in arrivals, further exacerbating the struggle.

The tourism sector in these nations is now navigating through the wreckage of destroyed resorts, infrastructure damage, and a significantly reduced flow of visitors. As hotel chains and businesses try to recover, the road to rebuilding remains fraught with challenges. In Jamaica, the impact on coastal areas and resorts was immediate, with popular destinations like Montego Bay and Negril facing property damage, power outages, and flooding. The destruction of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and airports, further delayed recovery efforts. Similarly, in the Bahamas, where multiple islands were directly impacted by hurricanes, many resorts, including those in Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands, sustained irreparable damage.

A Struggle Across the Caribbean

While Jamaica and the Bahamas are battling significant setbacks, they are far from alone. Dominica, the US Virgin Islands (USVI), and Cuba are also facing the harsh consequences of both hurricanes and the compounded effects of climate change. These islands are experiencing their own forms of economic stagnation, with tourism being hit hardest.

Dominica: Resilience in the Face of Destruction

Dominica, often called the “Nature Island,” is among the hardest hit by climate disasters. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused catastrophic damage, and the island’s recovery has been slow. While tourism is showing some resilience, the roadblocks are palpable. Dominica has made efforts to promote eco-tourism and sustainable travel experiences, focusing on its pristine rainforests, volcanic mountains, and marine ecosystems. Yet, the island’s recovery has been a slow, uneven process, with many tourist attractions still in need of repair. Dominica’s tourism arrivals saw a 13% increase in 2024, but much of this was driven by cruise tourism, which still presents its own challenges when dealing with storm-related disruptions.

US Virgin Islands: Struggling to Regain Momentum

The US Virgin Islands, another popular Caribbean destination, are also grappling with tourism roadblocks. Like other nations in the region, the USVI is heavily reliant on tourism, with about 35% of the territory’s GDP coming from the sector. The devastation left by Hurricane Irma in 2017 lingered in the tourism sector for years, and now the USVI is facing similar setbacks with recurring storms. Hurricane-related damage in the St. Thomas and St. Croix areas has severely disrupted the tourism flow. While some recovery efforts are evident, the islands are still experiencing a dip in visitor numbers, particularly from the US mainland.

Cuba: A Struggling Giant

Cuba, too, has been struggling with tourism roadblocks, though its situation differs in some respects. While Cuba remains one of the Caribbean’s most visited destinations, with tourism making up about 10-15% of GDP, the country has experienced a significant 20.5% drop in visitor arrivals from January to September 2025, largely attributed to the combined effects of economic sanctions, hurricane damage, and internal challenges. Visitors from key markets, such as Canada and Russia, have dropped dramatically, and the increase in travel insurance costs further discourages potential tourists. Additionally, Cuba faces significant competition from neighboring islands that have made more substantial investments in rebuilding their tourism infrastructure.

Challenges Beyond the Storm: Climate Change and Economic Pressures

Beyond the immediate damage caused by hurricanes, these Caribbean nations face a growing challenge: the increasing vulnerability of their tourism sectors to the worsening impacts of climate change. As storms grow more intense, frequent, and unpredictable, reliance on coastal tourism becomes more and more of a liability. Many of the most popular resorts are situated on low-lying coastlines, which not only face the brunt of storm surges but are also more susceptible to rising sea levels.

In Jamaica and the Bahamas, the tourism industry faces higher insurance premiums as insurers factor in the increasing risks of climate-related disasters. In some cases, insurance is becoming unaffordable, leaving many businesses with few options for recovery after disasters. Additionally, the cost of rebuilding often far exceeds the immediate economic benefits brought by tourism, which poses a serious question about the long-term viability of this business model.

Moving Beyond the Tourist Dollar: A Call for Economic Diversification

For the Caribbean nations hit hardest by hurricanes, the path forward is clear: economic diversification is no longer a luxury — it’s a survival strategy. As tourism continues to face roadblocks, countries like Jamaica and the Bahamas are looking beyond the industry for ways to revitalize their economies. While tourism remains a cornerstone, these nations must develop additional revenue streams to weather the next storm.

For Jamaica, this diversification effort is taking shape in several forms. The country is focusing on the development of climate-resilient agriculture, expanding its digital economy, and attracting investment in renewable energy. By promoting sectors that are less vulnerable to climate change, such as technology and sustainable industries, Jamaica hopes to create a more resilient economic foundation.

Similarly, the Bahamas is pursuing renewable energy solutions, such as solar microgrids and wind energy, to reduce reliance on expensive imported fuels. The Bahamian government has also emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure and green buildings that can better withstand future hurricanes. With the right mix of foreign investment, government action, and private-sector innovation, the Bahamas is positioning itself for a more diversified economy.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Key to Recovery

Another vital strategy in overcoming tourism roadblocks is the creation of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These partnerships can accelerate the rebuilding of infrastructure, such as roads, utilities, and airports, while also ensuring that the private sector remains invested in the recovery process. PPPs are also essential in promoting sustainable tourism by encouraging eco-friendly projects that reduce the sector’s environmental impact.

In Dominica, the government is working with private developers to build climate-smart housing and develop the renewable energy sector, positioning itself as a model for how islands can rebuild sustainably. Similar initiatives are underway in the US Virgin Islands, where public-private collaborations are helping to restore the cruise tourism sector.

Looking Ahead: A New Tourism Model for the Caribbean

As the Caribbean continues to recover from the devastation wrought by hurricanes and the long-term impacts of climate change, a new tourism model is emerging. The traditional reliance on mass-market, sun-and-sand tourism is giving way to a more diverse and sustainable approach that prioritizes eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism. By showcasing their natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and unique histories, islands like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Dominica are appealing to travelers who seek more than just a beach vacation.

For Jamaica and the Bahamas, the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunity. By diversifying their economies, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and rethinking the future of tourism, these nations can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Jamaica and Bahamas join Dominica, US Virgin Islands, Cuba, and other Caribbean countries grappling with major tourism roadblocks as they recover from hurricane devastation due to the severe impact of recent storms, which have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and resorts, severely disrupting the tourism sector. This has led to a significant decline in visitor arrivals, highlighting the urgent need for these islands to rebuild more resiliently and diversify their economies.

In the wake of devastating hurricanes, Jamaica and the Bahamas find themselves in the same position as Dominica, the US Virgin Islands, and Cuba — facing roadblocks to tourism recovery. Yet, these nations have the potential to build back better, using climate-resilient strategies and economic diversification to forge a more sustainable future. While the road to recovery is long, the Caribbean has always shown its ability to bounce back — and with the right policies, investment, and innovation, it will rise again.