Kingston, Jamaica – November 18, 2025 – The Jamaica tourism restart is on a determined path to full operational capacity by December 15, 2025, less than two months after being impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, has set this ambitious target, galvanizing a comprehensive recovery framework that emphasizes speed, collaboration, and resilience for the Jamaica tourism restart.
A Determined Push for the Jamaica Tourism Restart
The targeted date of December 15th is strategically chosen to coincide with the lucrative peak winter tourism season, including the crucial Festive Season that extends through New Year’s. Before Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28th, Jamaica’s tourism industry was projected to grow by 7% this winter, anticipating approximately 4.3 million visitors. Minister Bartlett stressed that the recovery cannot be left to chance, stating, “We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective—full industry operation by December 15.” Regular public updates will be provided by the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence as part of the Jamaica tourism restart.
Mobilizing Key Task Forces for Coordinated Action in Jamaica’s Tourism Restart
To achieve this swift recovery, the Ministry of Tourism has activated two critical entities: the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, also known as “Tourism Cares.” The Recovery Task Force, chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Minister Bartlett serving as Chairman Emeritus, is tasked with overseeing the operational restart of the Jamaica tourism restart. Its mandate includes rapid assessments, rehabilitation of attractions, and ensuring service readiness across resorts, airports, ports, and key corridors.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, chaired by Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at Sandals Resorts International, focuses on mobilizing resources, expertise, and goodwill to accelerate the recovery process. This collaborative approach involves a broad spectrum of public and private sector leaders, including representatives from Sandals Resorts International, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), all contributing to the Jamaica tourism restart.
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact and an Uneven Jamaica Tourism Recovery
Hurricane Melissa brought devastation to parts of the island, causing significant Hurricane Melissa damage to local infrastructure, including hotels and roads. The Jamaica tourism recovery is proving uneven, with areas like Montego Bay experiencing more severe impacts than Ocho Rios and Negril. Some resorts, such as Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast, anticipate Resort reopening dates not until May 30, 2026, due to extensive repair and improvement needs. In contrast, other properties, including those in Ocho Rios and Negril, are slated for earlier reopening dates, with some, like the Moon Palace Jamaica, reporting minimal disruption. The hurricane’s impact has also threatened the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the tourism sector, highlighting the crucial role of swift economic recovery for the local community as part of the Jamaica tourism restart.
Pillars of the Jamaica Tourism Restart Strategy
The multifaceted recovery framework for the Jamaica tourism restart is built upon three core priorities. Firstly, reassuring markets through proactive communication and transparent updates on the island’s readiness to welcome visitors. Secondly, restoring the product by accelerating repairs to crucial infrastructure such as beaches, roads, ports, and tourist attractions. Thirdly, protecting people and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by channeling aid, reinstating livelihoods, and providing essential support to the tourism workforce and dependent communities, crucial for the Jamaica tourism restart.
Building on Tourism Industry Resilience and Global Leadership
Jamaica is leveraging its hard-won experience in crisis management, particularly integrating lessons learned from its record-breaking post-COVID-19 recovery. The island has long been recognized for its proactive approach to tourism industry resilience, a reputation bolstered by the work of the Kingston-based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). This collaborative effort aims not only to restore the sector but also to enhance its long-term resilience against future shocks, reinforcing Jamaica’s standing as a global leader in crisis preparedness and response within the tourism industry, vital for the Jamaica tourism restart.
A Confident Outlook for Jamaica’s Tourism Future Post-Restart
While the path to full recovery presents challenges for the Jamaica tourism restart, the concerted efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, private sector stakeholders, and local communities demonstrate Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to its vital tourism industry. The swift mobilization of resources and strategic planning underscore the island’s determination to rebound stronger and more resilient, ensuring that the warmth of Jamaican hospitality and the allure of its attractions are ready to welcome the world by December 15th. The news of airports and major tourist corridors becoming operational signals significant progress for the Jamaica tourism restart, and the collaborative spirit across the island is a testament to its enduring strength.