Jamaica’s Tourism Rebounds Ahead of Winter Season After Hurricane Melissa

Published on December 9, 2025

Jamaica is set to welcome travellers back with open arms this winter, with the island’s tourism industry well on its way to recovery after the impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October. As of December 6, 2025, major tourism hubs, including resorts, airports, and seaports, have begun resuming operations, with a target for the full recovery by December 15, 2025.

Despite the damage caused by the hurricane, which struck the island with fierce winds reaching 185 mph, Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure has remained resilient. This recovery is not only vital for the local economy, which depends heavily on tourism but also reassures travellers and stakeholders that the island is ready for the upcoming winter season.

Tourism Recovery: What’s Open and What’s Coming Back

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has confirmed that by December 15, most of the island’s tourism infrastructure will be fully operational. Key facilities, including the country’s international airports and seaports, were among the first to resume activities following the storm. This has allowed for the swift return of cruise ships and flights to major destinations like Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. \

The Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, one of Jamaica’s flagship all-inclusive properties, officially reopened on December 6, hosting travel advisors for a familiarisation event. This event marked a significant milestone in Jamaica’s recovery, as the resort had been closed for over five weeks due to hurricane damage. The Sandals brand, known for its luxury offerings and excellent service, is a major player in the recovery of the Jamaican tourism sector.

However, not all hotels have reopened. Some resorts, particularly those that sustained severe damage, are still undergoing repairs. Officials estimate that by January 2026, approximately 80% of Jamaica’s hotel rooms will be available, although several properties will remain closed for extended restoration.

New Airline Services and Cruise Ports Ready for Action

In addition to resort reopenings, air travel and cruise services have also resumed. WestJet launched a new flight service from Quebec to Montego Bay on December 6, reflecting the strong confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector. This new airlift route highlights the island’s importance as a top Caribbean destination and ensures greater accessibility for international tourists.

The island’s cruise ports, including those in Falmouth and Ocho Rios, have also reopened. The Falmouth Port welcomed its first cruise ships back in early December, signaling that the Caribbean cruise circuit is back in action, with passengers once again able to enjoy Jamaica’s beaches, culture, and excursions.

Tourism Sector’s Economic Importance and Recovery Timeline

Tourism is crucial to Jamaica’s economy, contributing about 35% to GDP and providing employment for around 200,000 workers. The reopening of the island’s airports, resorts, and attractions is a critical part of the overall recovery plan, ensuring that the industry regains its pre-hurricane momentum.

The island’s convention centres have also resumed operations, offering facilities for business travellers and MICE events. While some conferences were rescheduled or cancelled due to the storm, Jamaica’s convention and event sectors are expected to pick up momentum as we move into 2026.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is actively working with hotel owners and operators to ensure the smooth reopening of the remaining properties, focusing on both quality and speed of repairs.

Jamaica’s Vibrant Recovery: What Travellers Can Expect

As Jamaica gears up for the winter season, the island is already bouncing back with significant strides in its recovery. With major resorts like Sandals Dunn’s River and other high-end properties reopening, visitors can expect to enjoy the island’s world-renowned hospitality, beaches, and attractions. Travellers looking for luxury all-inclusive experiences, cultural immersion, and adventure tourism will find Jamaica offering a wide range of activities for all types of visitors.

Notably, many travel advisors are already recommending Jamaica for winter 2025–2026, as the destination offers plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s cultural richness, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant local life. Sandals Resorts, for example, has maintained a strong booking pace, with a 70-75% retention rate on pre-storm bookings, further solidifying the island’s reputation as a top Caribbean destination.

Jamaica Is Ready for Winter 2025-2026

Jamaica’s tourism recovery post-Hurricane Melissa has been swift, with the island on track to reopen most of its infrastructure by December 15, 2025, marking a successful start to the winter season. With a combination of luxury resorts, reopened airports and cruise ports, and a robust tourism sector, Jamaica is ready to provide visitors with an unforgettable winter escape. For travellers and travel advisors alike, Jamaica remains a prime destination that blends adventure, culture, and world-class hospitality.