Jamaica Bounces Back After Hurricane Melissa – Is the Island Ready for Your Winter Getaway?

Published on December 8, 2025

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is on track to restore most of its tourism infrastructure by December 15, 2025. John Lynch, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, announced that the country is ready to welcome visitors in time for the busy winter season. This announcement follows a series of efforts to rebuild and repair the significant damage caused by the hurricane, which made landfall on October 28, 2025.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica

The storm, with winds reaching up to 185 miles per hour, caused extensive damage to parts of the island, particularly affecting hotels and resorts along the coastline. However, large portions of the island remained largely untouched, with some areas experiencing minimal damage. Despite the challenges, Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure has shown remarkable resilience, with airports, seaports, and many hotels already back in operation. Lynch emphasized the significance of the December 15 date, marking the official start of Jamaica’s winter season, a crucial period for the country’s tourism economy.

Recovery and Reopenings

Among the properties that have already reopened is the Sandals Dunn’s River resort, located near Ocho Rios. The 260-room resort had been closed for repairs following the hurricane but reopened from December 3 to 6, hosting a group of 215 travel advisors during the brief reopening. During their visit, Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart addressed the advisors, detailing how Sandals had continued to support employees throughout the storm’s aftermath. The company ensured that staff pay, benefits, and tips were maintained during this challenging time, which was met with a standing ovation from the group. Stewart highlighted the importance of the local workforce, noting that the personalities of Jamaican team members are an essential part of what makes the country’s hospitality so special.

Despite the damage to some of the island’s hotels, Stewart revealed that 70% to 75% of pre-storm bookings for Sandals’ Jamaica properties had been retained, underscoring the ongoing appeal of Jamaica as a premier tourist destination.

Projections for Full Recovery

Donovan White, the Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, projected that 80% of the country’s room inventory would be operational by the end of January 2026. Some hotels are opting to remain closed temporarily in order to rebuild and improve their facilities for future guests, ensuring that the recovery process not only restores but enhances the overall experience for visitors.

Airlift and New Services

In addition to the recovery of hotels, the island’s airports and seaports have also resumed normal operations. On December 6, Canada’s WestJet inaugurated new service from Quebec to Montego Bay, one of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane. This new route is a positive sign for Jamaica’s tourism sector, reinforcing confidence in the island’s recovery and ongoing appeal to international travelers.

The reopening of Jamaica’s convention centers, including the one in Montego Bay, has also been welcomed, although some events were postponed or canceled due to the storm. Lynch confirmed that efforts are underway to work with affected groups and reschedule events, allowing Jamaica to maintain its position as a prime destination for meetings, conferences, and other large events.

Tourism’s Vital Role in Jamaica’s Economy

Tourism is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy, contributing approximately 35% of its GDP and directly employing about 200,000 individuals. The resilience of the tourism sector is vital to the country’s overall economic recovery, and efforts to restore the industry are crucial for the livelihoods of many Jamaican citizens. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa, the swift recovery of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure underscores the strength of its industry and its ability to bounce back from adversity.

Looking Ahead to the Winter Season

As the island prepares for the full reopening by December 15, Jamaica is gearing up for what is expected to be a strong winter tourism season. John Lynch and other officials have emphasized that the recovery is a collective effort, with support from both local stakeholders and international partners. The focus is now on ensuring that all aspects of the tourism experience – from accommodations to attractions – are ready to meet the expectations of visitors.

Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa highlights not only the country’s resilience but also the commitment to providing travelers with a world-class experience. As the country approaches the official start of the winter season, Jamaica remains optimistic about welcoming back both returning and new visitors eager to experience the island’s unique culture, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality.

Conclusion

Jamaica’s tourism sector is recovering at an impressive pace following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. With most of the island’s infrastructure set to be fully operational by mid-December, Jamaica is positioning itself to offer a seamless experience for tourists during the critical winter season. The island’s dedication to recovery, from the reopening of Sandals Dunn’s River to the resumption of air services and convention center operations, showcases its commitment to maintaining its reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. Jamaica is ready to welcome tourists with open arms, ensuring that their visit to this beautiful island remains an unforgettable experience.