The fallout from Hurricane Melissa is now being felt in Jamaica's tourism as the Dominican Republic moves quickly to capitalise on visitors diverted from Jamaica and other storm-affected islands.
Industry officials say the Dominican Republic has authorised 800 additional flights, both scheduled and charter services, to handle a surge in tourists who had originally planned to vacation in Jamaica and nearby destinations but were forced to change plans after the hurricane.
Nairobi Santos, Spokesperson for the Association of Hotels and Tourism in the Dominican Republic, says the move is expected to significantly boost hotel occupancy, and that the country's hotel sector has the capacity to absorb the extra demand.
The added flights will be spread over the next eight months, with projections for the upcoming holiday season, showing average hotel occupancy of more than 95 per cent.
President of the Civil Aviation Board Héctor Porcella told reporters that the 800 flights were approved in one go because "all that tourism that was going to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic will benefit".
Hurricane Melissa dealt a heavy blow to Jamaica's tourism infrastructure with several hotels and attractions damaged and some properties still closed or in cleanup and repair mode.
While Jamaica continues its recovery and gradual reopening, the Dominican Republic is positioning itself to capture a significant share of visitors who have had to re-book their Caribbean holidays.
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