Jamaica Recovers Rapidly from Hurricane Melissa: Tourism Sector Ready for Winter Surge

Published on December 12, 2025

The tourism industry of Jamaica is making a remarkable recovery after being hit by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025. While the island sustained widespread damage, its speed of recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Five weeks after the storm, visitors to the island can barely see any evidence of the devastation that threatened to derail the country’s thriving tourism industry. Despite winds exceeding 155 mph and several days of heavy rain, Jamaica’s main tourist destinations are set to welcome visitors as the winter season approaches. From Montego Bay resorts to the southern coast, the island’s tourism infrastructure has weathered the storm and is regaining strength.

Immediate Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s Tourism Infrastructure

The morning of October 28 saw the storm approach Jamaica’s shores, with the S Hotel in Montego Bay being one of the many properties to prepare for the worst. The hotel’s management team swiftly implemented their hurricane plan, shuttering windows and ensuring that guests were safely tucked into their rooms. While the storm made its presence felt across the island, the recovery process has been rapid. Early reports indicated significant damage, with fallen trees, downed power lines, and structural damage to resorts. However, as of early December, most of Jamaica’s key tourist spots, including airports and ports, were back in action.

A Resilient Economy: The Restoration of Jamaica’s Hotels and Resorts

Jamaica’s tourism sector accounts for roughly 35% of the country’s GDP, and the industry’s resilience is vital to the nation’s recovery. By the end of January 2026, approximately 80% of the island’s 26,000 hotel rooms are expected to be back in service, according to the Jamaica Tourism Board. While some hotels chose to remain closed temporarily for seasonal upgrades or repairs, others are already back in business. Major tourist centres, including Montego Bay and Negril, experienced some of the highest levels of damage, but efforts are underway to reopen properties as soon as possible.

For instance, Montego Bay’s resorts were among the hardest hit, with several properties in the area still working on repairs and expecting to remain closed beyond the end of 2025. Negril also faced challenges, with several resorts closed or expected to reopen only by 2026. However, this doesn’t mean that visitors are without options. Hotels like The Cliff Hotel in Negril and the Sandals resorts across the island are already operational and welcoming guests.

The South Coast Faces Greater Challenges but Shows Promise

The southern coast of Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa made landfall, endured some of the most significant damage. However, even there, recovery efforts are ongoing, with many resorts expected to reopen soon. Sandals South Coast, for example, is targeting a May 30, 2026 reopening. The south coast has taken the longest to recover, but it’s expected that the entire region will soon be back on track, ready to serve tourists from around the world.

Negril and Montego Bay: The Heart of Jamaica’s Tourism Sector

Jamaica’s western resorts are a focal point for the country’s tourism economy. Negril, known for its stunning Seven Mile Beach and laid-back vibe, has been recovering steadily. Despite a slow return of visitors due to lingering concerns about post-storm uncertainty, properties like The Cliff Hotel have already resumed operations. Still, there is plenty of room for guests, with the boutique property offering a relaxed atmosphere while awaiting full recovery in the region.

Montego Bay, another cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism sector, has seen varying levels of damage. On the positive side, the city’s downtown area has shown resilience, with essential services like traffic lights and garbage collection returning to normal within weeks. Despite this, many resorts on the outskirts are still grappling with repairs. The slow recovery of resorts in these areas has been a challenge, with some properties closed for the season and others looking at extended downtime. For example, several resorts in Montego Bay have postponed their reopening dates into early 2026, including popular resorts near the airport.

A Focus on Employment and Community Support

Jamaica’s tourism industry directly employs around 200,000 people, and the storm’s impact on these workers has been profound. Yet, despite the challenges, the sector has remained committed to its employees. Notably, Sandals Resorts International, one of Jamaica’s largest resort operators, stepped up during the crisis by covering the pay cheques, benefits, and tips for its entire workforce throughout the storm’s aftermath. Sandals Resorts continues to show its commitment to Jamaica’s workforce by hosting travel agents to demonstrate the island’s recovery efforts. The company’s resorts are also offering discounted rates to encourage bookings, including special rates for properties such as Sandals Dunn’s River, which has already reopened after a brief closure.

Varied Recovery Across the Island

While Montego Bay and Negril were hit the hardest, other areas of the island are faring much better. Kingston, the capital city, experienced minimal damage, with no hotels remaining closed. Similarly, properties in Ocho Rios have been quick to reopen, with just a handful still undergoing repairs. The Eastern third of the island, which includes popular destinations such as Port Antonio and the Blue Mountains, also came through the storm with minimal damage. A tour of the island in early December revealed that many areas had returned to normal, with traffic lights, infrastructure, and tourist spots operating as usual.

Promotional Offers and Special Deals to Boost Tourism

To support the recovery of the tourism sector, many hotels have rolled out attractive deals. Properties like the Jamaica Inn are offering discounted stays with flexible booking terms to encourage tourists to visit during the recovery period. The Jamaica Tourism Board has also been working closely with travel advisors to ensure that the island’s recovery efforts are well-communicated to potential visitors. With winter approaching, Jamaica is positioning itself as a prime destination for international travelers, eager to soak in the sun and enjoy the island’s famous hospitality.

Economic Challenges and the Importance of Business Interruption Insurance

The recovery efforts have not been without challenges, particularly for smaller hotel operators who have faced financial strain. Christopher Jarrett, CEO of Altamont Hotels, has shared his experience with the storm’s financial fallout. While his Kingston property remained largely unaffected, his Montego Bay properties faced more severe damage. This has underscored the importance of business interruption insurance, something that many hoteliers, including Jarrett, regret not renewing. The economic costs of recovery are substantial, but the speed of Jamaica’s comeback demonstrates the resilience of the nation’s tourism industry.

Jamaica’s Resilient Path to Recovery

Despite significant challenges, Jamaica’s tourism industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. From bustling resorts in Montego Bay to boutique hotels in Negril, the island is well on its way back to normality. The efforts of both large operators such as Sandals and small independent hotels have ensured that tourism remains an important economic driver. While some regions continue to face challenges, the island’s tourism industry is preparing for a successful winter season. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and world-class resorts, Jamaica is eager to welcome back tourists and demonstrate its strength and resilience in the face of adversity.