Mouttet Mile Invitational Boosts Jamaica’s Tourism Industry After Hurricane Melissa, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

Tourism, for a long period, has remained important to Jamaica’s economy, through which it has been contributing almost 30 percent to its national GDP, both direct and indirectly. Since this industry is the propeller of economic growth, it also provides work opportunities for about 175,000 Jamaicans. Besides being promotional for other industries like construction, banking, finance, utilities, entertainment, and agriculture, this industry is also an effective tool for maintaining the global image of the island.

The Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaican Tourism
Hurricane Melissa posed a significant test for Jamaica’s tourism industry. The storm caused widespread damage in some areas, leading to concerns from travelers about the island’s readiness to welcome visitors. However, the quick recovery in Kingston and other unaffected regions showed the country’s resilience. Heather Goldson, Group Head of Marketing at Supreme Ventures Group (SVG), spoke to the importance of communicating this recovery to the public. She said, “Kingston has not been hit… Kingston has been working hard to ensure that the West is supported.”

The resilience of the tourism sector was evident as the country worked to restore normalcy, with major events like the Mouttet Mile Invitational playing a key role in signaling the industry’s recovery. Horse racing, a deeply ingrained part of Jamaican culture, has long been a driving force behind the island’s tourism economy. The swift return of events like the Mouttet Mile was crucial in reassuring both locals and international visitors that Jamaica was open and ready for business.

The Mouttet Mile: A Symbol of Jamaica’s Recovery
The Mouttet Mile Invitational, held annually at Caymanas Park, has become one of the most significant racing events in the Caribbean. This year’s edition, held on December 6, featured a record-breaking USD $250,000 purse, reinforcing its status as the top racing event in the region. The Mouttet Mile is more than just a race; it represents Jamaica’s cultural pride and resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Jamaican jockey Raddesh Roman, one of the country’s top riders, spoke about the importance of the race to both him and the nation. “It’s one of the biggest races in the Caribbean,” he said, reflecting on its national significance. “I’m very excited about what is happening in our country, and we will rebuild.” The event brought together not just racing enthusiasts, but also families, tourists, and local business owners, all united in their celebration of Jamaica’s recovery.

Horse Racing as an Economic Driver: Supporting Thousands of Jobs
Horse racing in Jamaica is a vital component of the local economy, employing over 100,000 people. Each horse supports the livelihoods of dozens of individuals, including trainers, grooms, veterinarians, jockeys, and vendors. The sport is a cultural pillar, deeply embedded in Jamaican society, and the Mouttet Mile helps sustain this vast network of workers. The racing ecosystem spans beyond the track, supporting a wide array of small businesses and service providers across the island.

Gary Peart, Executive Chairman of Supreme Ventures Group, explained the far-reaching impact of the industry: “Caymanas supports an ecosystem of about 40,000 to 50,000 people. When an owner buys a horse, that horse has to have a trainer, a farrier, and it adds on as you go along.” The rapid reopening of the racing industry following the hurricane was critical in reactivating this vital economic engine, with money quickly flowing back into the local economy.

International Reach: The Global Appeal of the Mouttet Mile
In addition to its domestic importance, the Mouttet Mile is also attracting international attention. The event is now broadcasted globally, including partnerships with Fox Sports and the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Gary Peart highlighted the growing international visibility of the race, saying, “This is our main event… Today they’re going to show three races… potentially four or five million U.S. dollars in media value.”

The event’s expanding global profile is helping put Jamaica on the map as a top-tier destination for sports tourism. Furthermore, NYRA is considering the creation of a race in New York where qualifiers can compete for a spot in the Mouttet Mile, allowing U.S. owners to win a chance to participate in Jamaica’s premier racing event. This development underscores the growing international appeal of Jamaican horse racing and its potential to attract a new audience of tourists.

The Role of Mouttet Mile in Jamaican Tourism’s Recovery
The Mouttet Mile Invitational serves as a symbol of Jamaica’s resilience and a catalyst for the island’s tourism recovery. By attracting both local and international visitors, the event helps rejuvenate the tourism industry, which in turn supports small businesses, local workers, and communities across the island. The event also plays a crucial role in showcasing Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to bounce back from adversity.

As tourism continues to recover and rebuild, the message is clear: Jamaica is open, thriving, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world. The swift recovery of the Mouttet Mile, coupled with Jamaica’s broader tourism revival, signals a bright future for the island’s tourism industry.

A Bright Future for Jamaican Tourism

But the Mouttet Mile Invitational represents far more than horse racing; it is a shining beacon of hope and resiliency within Jamaica’s tourism sector. The event captures the return of tourism to the island on the back of a great history of horse racing and cultural pride, and it signals to the nation the nearing of a close to the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. And as the tourism sector rebounds, Jamaica will have once again demonstrated its potential to thrive as a global tourism destination through its preparedness for hosting world-class events, gaining international attention, and supporting local communities.