Jamaica Makes a Swift Recovery After Hurricane Melissa, Welcoming Back Tourists and Cruise Ships, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 21, 2025

Jamaica is continuing to recover from the damage of Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the island earlier this year. Because of the damages, the country is starting to show the effects of a coordinated response. To the surprise of many, the tourism industry is starting to recover. With many of the resorts, airports, and local tourism service providers operating once more, tourism experts are happy to confirm that they are once again able to receive tourists.

Tourism Resumes as Key Infrastructure Restored

Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, highlighted that the recovery has been both fast and efficient. The island’s tourism sector, which is a cornerstone of the economy, has been a key focus of the recovery efforts. By November 12, Carnival Cruise Line made its first call in Ocho Rios since the hurricane hit, signaling a major milestone in the island’s recovery and the resumption of cruise tourism.

According to Rose, around 30 to 40 hotels and resorts across Jamaica are already welcoming guests. These include some of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. While some properties were hit hard by the storm and remain closed, many have reopened or are preparing to do so in the coming months. For example, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the hardest-hit of Jamaica’s three international airports, has largely resumed normal operations, allowing for the smooth arrival of international travelers.

Essential Services Restored: Power, Water, and Access

Jamaica’s recovery efforts have focused on restoring essential services to tourist areas. Rose reported that the island’s resort areas now have both electricity and running water, two critical components for ensuring a quality visitor experience. Local communities have played an essential role in clearing roads and restoring infrastructure, with volunteers contributing significantly to the cleanup efforts.

The rapid restoration of essential services has played a critical role in supporting the tourism sector’s recovery, as it ensures that visitors can enjoy a seamless travel experience. With power restored and water supplies running, travelers can once again enjoy the amenities that make Jamaica a top destination for tourists from around the world.

Marketing Campaigns Reignite Interest in Jamaica

In response to the hurricane’s aftermath, the Jamaica Tourist Board has resumed its marketing efforts, particularly targeting U.S. travelers. These campaigns focus on reminding potential visitors of the island’s enduring charm and appeal, even in the wake of the hurricane. Rose emphasized that while the island may have faced challenges, the core essence of Jamaica—its welcoming people, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty—remains unchanged.

The marketing campaign also emphasizes the resilience of the local population and the “local heroes” who contributed to the island’s recovery efforts. Social media and digital content will highlight the strength and determination of these individuals, encouraging travelers to visit Jamaica as a way to support the country’s recovery. The key message is that “the best way to help Jamaica recover is to visit Jamaica.” This sentiment reflects the importance of tourism not just for the economy, but also for the people who depend on it for their livelihoods.

Jamaica’s Hotel Industry and Resort Reopenings

While the recovery process has been rapid, not all hotels and resorts have reopened yet. Many properties, particularly those that were heavily damaged, remain closed as repairs and upgrades are underway. Some resorts, such as the Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s eight properties in Montego Bay, will remain closed through January, while others, like Sandals Resorts International’s properties in Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, and South Coast, are set to reopen on May 30, 2026.

Despite these temporary closures, there is optimism within the industry. Many hotel partners have provided transparent updates on their recovery progress, which has helped reassure travelers and travel advisors. This transparency has allowed the tourism industry to maintain a steady stream of bookings, despite initial slowdowns caused by the hurricane’s impact.

Sandals Resorts to Undergo Upgrades During Closure

One of the more positive aspects of the recovery is that some of the resorts undergoing repairs will take this opportunity to upgrade their facilities. Sandals Resorts International has announced plans to enhance its three most heavily damaged resorts—Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals Royal Caribbean—during their closure. Sandals’ executive chairman, Adam Stewart, revealed that the resorts will undergo major improvements, taking them to a “2.0 level” of luxury during the period of closure.

These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to ensure that when these resorts do reopen, they will offer an even higher standard of service and facilities. Stewart encouraged travel advisors to continue booking vacations to Jamaica, emphasizing that their role is crucial in the destination’s recovery.

Impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Cruise Industry

The cruise industry is also beginning to recover from Hurricane Melissa’s impact. Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s most popular cruise ports, has once again become an active destination for cruise ships. The return of cruise ships, including the recent visit by Carnival Cruise Line, is an important step in the island’s tourism recovery. Cruise tourism contributes significantly to Jamaica’s economy, and its swift recovery is vital to the island’s overall economic growth.

With cruise tourism making a comeback, Jamaica is well-positioned to attract even more visitors in the coming months. Cruise lines are crucial to Jamaica’s tourism strategy, and their return to the island is a positive sign of recovery and resilience.

Tourism’s Vital Role in Jamaica’s Economic Recovery

Tourism plays a critical role in Jamaica’s economy, contributing billions of dollars annually. The sector supports a wide range of industries, including hospitality, transportation, agriculture, and retail. Given the significant impact of the tourism industry on the local economy, the Jamaican government and the private sector have worked together to restore the island’s tourism infrastructure as quickly as possible.

The speed of Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa underscores the resilience of the tourism sector and the broader economy. As the island continues to reopen its resorts and attractions, the focus remains on ensuring that visitors can experience Jamaica’s world-class offerings in a safe and sustainable manner.

Jamaica’s Tourism Sector Bounces Back Stronger Than Ever

Only days have passed since Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, and the island is already on the mend. The island is on the way to becoming a premier global tourist location once again. The island quickly opened the damaged resorts, restored services, and resumed boat cruises. Jamaica demonstrates through open, honest, and eco-friendly policies, that, for customers in search of culture, adventure, and serenity, the island is still a top travel destination.

What message, as the island continues to recover, is the best way to help Jamaica? This question summarizes the country’s current position. The tourism sector is not just returning, but transforming to accommodate eco-friendly tourism travel. With stunning vistas, a rich culture, and welcoming people, Jamaica is still a global tourist favorite.