Jamaica welcomes 370,000 visitors post Hurricane Melissa
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Of the total arrivals, approximately 46,000 were stopover visitors, while 30,000 arrived by cruise ships.
Jamaica reports that the winter tourist season has opened on a strong note of recovery, recording over 70,000 visitor arrivals within the first seven days, signalling continued confidence in the destination and steady recovery of the tourism sector.
Of the total arrivals, approximately 46,000 were stopover visitors, while 30,000 arrived by cruise ships, reflecting robust demand across both airlift and cruise segments. In total, Jamaica has welcomed 370 thousand visitors and earned USD 331.2 million since the passage of Hurricane Melissa. These figures underscore Jamaica’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism destinations despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett welcomed the positive performance, noting that while the arrival numbers are encouraging, the country’s tourism recovery strategy extends beyond statistics. “Our recovery is not only about increasing visitor numbers,” the minister said. “It is also about ensuring that the men and women who power our tourism industry are supported as we build back stronger. These numbers equate to USD331.2 million in earnings and mean real jobs for our workers and earnings for the country’s economy.”
“Investing in tourism workers remains central to building a more resilient and inclusive tourism industry—one that delivers benefits not just to businesses and visitors, but to Jamaican families and communities across the island,” said the minister.
With the winter season now underway, stakeholders are optimistic that continued growth in arrivals, combined with sustained support for tourism workers, will further strengthen Jamaica’s economic recovery and long-term tourism development.
“Our partners and stakeholders continue to invest in the island’s tourism recovery, which highlights a deep sense of confidence that we will build back even better,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
The Minister of Tourism continues to have dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen the labour market arrangements within the sector, securing the tenure and support for workers as the recovery progresses.
