Montego Bay Tourism Bounces Back After Hurricane Melissa, Now Ready for Reopening in December

Published on December 4, 2025

Montego Bay, one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist hotspots, will officially open its doors again on December 15, 2025, after making full recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The reassurance that the island is ready for the busy winter season came during a recent Tourism Recovery Tour led by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who noted that despite challenges presented by the disaster, the island’s tourism remains resilient and ready for the impending winter season. The tour included stops at Sangster International Airport, hotels in the area, and some attractions, all fully operational and ready to receive visitors.

Positive Outlook: Tourism Earnings on Track for Record Growth

Minister Bartlett shared optimistic news regarding the tourism industry’s performance in 2025, revealing that the sector has already earned US$2.9 billion since the start of the year. With the official reopening of Montego Bay set for mid-December, the Minister expects the total earnings for the year to reach approximately US$3.5 billion. This robust growth is driven by an increasing demand for Jamaican tourism, particularly during the peak winter season, which spans from December to February.

According to the UN Tourism Barometer, global tourism arrivals surpassed 1.1 billion by September 2025, with projections indicating a continued growth rate of 3-5%. This global trend bodes well for destinations like Montego Bay, which have made significant strides in recovery following natural disasters.

A Resilient Recovery: Montego Bay’s Key Tourism Infrastructure Ready for Action

The Tourism Recovery Tour was designed to assess the readiness of Montego Bay’s key tourism facilities for the busy winter season. Minister Bartlett expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the recovery efforts, particularly at the Sangster International Airport (SIA), a vital hub for international tourists arriving in Jamaica. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, reassured the Minister that the airport is fully operational and prepared for the expected high volume of passengers.

In addition to the airport, Bartlett visited several hotels, ranging from large resorts to smaller accommodations, to check on their recovery status. He was pleased to find that approximately 90% of hotels across the region are open and ready to welcome guests. The continued operations of these establishments, along with the readiness of attractions and restaurants, highlight the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Recovery

A key theme of the tour was the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting the tourism industry’s recovery. Minister Bartlett praised the efforts of tourism workers and hotel operators who have shown exceptional commitment to the sector’s resurgence. Many employees have faced personal challenges, such as damage to their homes due to the hurricane, yet have continued to work diligently to ensure that the tourism facilities are prepared for visitors.

One notable example of this spirit of community support came from Toby’s Resort, which offered half of its rooms to shelter workers and their families who had lost their homes. In addition to providing housing, the resort management is also assisting staff members in rebuilding their homes. Minister Bartlett highlighted this altruism and the collective effort to help those affected by the disaster as crucial in driving the industry’s recovery.

The Resilience of Jamaica’s Tourism Workers

Minister Bartlett was deeply moved by the resilience of the tourism workers during the recovery process. He acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the staff who not only continued their work but also supported one another during a time of great adversity. Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton, remarked that the dedication of the tourism workers was a key takeaway from the recovery tour. “For me, the key takeaway was the commitment, not just of the staff but for the staff,” she said.

Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), also expressed satisfaction with the sector’s recovery. He emphasized that not only the hotels but also related sub-sectors such as attractions and restaurants had bounced back remarkably well. “I’m pleased to note that we have made tremendous recovery in just the few weeks and are as ready as we’ll ever be,” Jarrett said, looking forward to a successful winter season.

Montego Bay: Ready for a Thriving Winter Season

Montego Bay’s recovery efforts have positioned the destination as one of the top choices for tourists seeking a winter getaway. The city is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and world-class resorts, making it a prime destination for travelers from around the world. As the official reopening approaches, visitors can look forward to exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, enjoying its luxurious accommodations, and experiencing its renowned hospitality.

With the winter season just around the corner, Jamaica is set to welcome a surge of tourists, both international and domestic. The efforts of the local tourism industry, from the dedicated workers to the supportive hotel management, ensure that Montego Bay will be a safe and enjoyable destination for all.

A Bright Future for Jamaica’s Tourism Industry

The resilience of the tourism industry in Jamaica, particularly in Montego Bay, has always borne testimony to hard work and dedication, coupled with strong partnerships within the sector. With support from both public and private stakeholders, this destination is ready to welcome a busy winter season. The overall growth, as evidenced by the impressive earnings from tourism, demonstrates that the island remains a great destination for any type of traveler. It remains a beacon of hope for the world’s tourism industry as it progresses, proving even in adversity, it can emerge triumphant.