by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:20 PM ET, Tue December 16, 2025
After being devastated by Hurricane Melissa in late October, Jamaica’s tourism industry is already experiencing a significant uptick.
In just the few months that have elapsed since the Oct. 28 disaster, the island nation has welcomed 300,000 visitors, according to information released today by officials in Jamaica. That figure includes both stopover and cruise visitors.
And that's not the only good news on the Jamaica front. Major resort areas throughout the island are fully operational and welcoming visitors for the crucial winter season. That includes key tourism locations like as Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Kingston.
Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, attributes the rapid rebound now taking place to the “remarkable recovery strategy,” that island leaders and the travel industry all coalesced around. Bartlett also described the 300,000 visitors as a significant milestone in the island’s recovery.
Bartlett also confirmed that Jamaica met its target of restoring tourism operations by December 15, marking an impressive turnaround just over six weeks after the storm.
“Our recovery has exceeded expectations,” said Bartlett. “Jamaica is not just back—we are stronger, more resilient, and more committed than ever to delivering the authentic Jamaican experience our visitors know and love. The dedication of our tourism workers, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, exemplifies the true spirit of Jamaica.”
Following the Category 5 hurricane, Jamaica’s travel industry and the country’s leaders were determined to restore operations as quickly as possible.
Tourism is essential to Jamaica’s economy, accounting for more than 30 percent of the country’s GDP. It also supports approximately one-third of jobs across the island.
The swift recovery of the sector is critical not only for economic stability but also for the thousands of Jamaican families whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry.
All major airports, including Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, have resumed normal operations.
Major airlines have also resumed and maintain regular flight schedules. In addition, by the end of this month, it is expected that about 71 percent of hotels will be reopened, with projections indicating that number will rise significantly through early 2026. Popular attractions throughout the island are also fully operational.
“This has truly been a collaborative effort. Hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and government agencies have worked around the clock to ensure that Jamaica is ready to welcome our guests,” added Bartlett. “Every visitor who chooses Jamaica during this time directly supports the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of livelihoods.”
Jamaica received 4.3 million visitors in 2024, and tourism officials remain confident in a full recovery by December 2026.
Speaking at a travel industry event in November, Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, issued an urgent plea for the travel industry's support in helping the island to recover.
“I’m going to stand here today, without any embarrassment whatsoever,
and say that while we are a country that has historically punched above
our weight and while we are a country that has given the world so much,
we are hurting right now,” Rose continued. “And we are asking you to
continue supporting, as I know you have. Continue pushing.
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