Jamaica’s Tourism Sector Rebounds Following Impact of Hurricane Melissa with Major Developments Underway

All India, 15th January 2026: Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating strong resilience as the island steadily returns to normal operations following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025.

In the seven weeks after the storm, Jamaica welcomed close to 300,000 visitors, signalling renewed confidence among travellers and sustained global interest in the destination. Both of Jamaica’s international gateways — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston — resumed scheduled activity shortly after the weather system passed, enabling airlines and tourism businesses to continue operations without prolonged interruption.

According to Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, more than 70 percent of the hotel inventory across the island is now open and welcoming guests, including major properties in Montego Bay, Kingston and Jamaica’s north coast. White noted that this return to operational strength reflects the coordinated efforts of tourism workers, hotel groups and government teams who have collaborated to restore services and prepare facilities to deliver the visitor experience Jamaica is known for.

White added that Jamaica remains committed to progressing recovery in affected communities while maintaining the highest standards for guests arriving on the island. He reinforced that both visitor preparedness and local rehabilitation continue to be priority areas as the broader tourism network regains momentum. Tourism arrivals throughout 2026 are projected to reach approximately 70 to 80 percent of pre-hurricane levels as phased reopening continues and restored capacity becomes available to international markets.

Jamaica’s wider tourism framework continues to complement this return to strength. Tourism has remained central to national recovery and job creation, supporting livelihoods, local businesses and community-level services during a period of rebuilding. Looking ahead, Jamaica will host the Love Caribbean – Jamaica Edition destination wedding and romance travel conference from May 11 to 14, 2026 at Princess Grand Jamaica in Hanover. The event will convene travel advisors, wedding planners and hospitality partners from across markets to explore opportunities within the region’s celebration travel sector and further reinforce Jamaica’s place in the Caribbean’s tourism landscape.

With visitor numbers rising, hotel capacity restored in major tourism corridors, and international trade engagement expanding steadily, Jamaica’s tourism sector remains well positioned to drive continued growth and maintain its vital role in national economic recovery.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, New Delhi, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world's best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared 'World's Leading Cruise Destination' and 'World's Leading Family Destination' for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the 'Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board' for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for 'Best Travel Agent Academy Program' and silver for 'Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean' and 'Best Tourism Board – Caribbean'. The destination also received bronze recognition for 'Best Destination – Caribbean', 'Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean', and 'Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean'. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for 'International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support' for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).