In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s tourism minister has set a firm target for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation by Dec. 15, 2025. To deliver on that goal, Edmund Bartlett activated a high-level Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”) to synchronise public and private sector action.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by Dec. 15,” Bartlett said. “Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he added.
The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Minister Bartlett serving as Chairman Emeritus. It further includes a cross-section of public and private sector leaders.
Supporting the work of the Recovery Task Force is the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”), chaired by Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at Sandals Resorts International.
The recovery plan will:
- Reassure markets: Deploy partner communications and update on tourism’s readiness.
- Restore product: Fast-track assessments and repairs for beaches, attractions, roads, utilities, and port interfaces.
- Protect people & MSMEs: Channel relief and other support; foster pipelines that return small suppliers and performers to work quickly.
Bartlett noted that both task forces will coordinate closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts, including Jamaica’s record-breaking post-COVID-19 recovery, and ensure a comprehensive approach to rebuilding the sector.
“Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation,” he added.
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