Hoteliers optimistic about winter tourist season despite Melissa setback

 

Hoteliers are optimistic about the 2025/26 winter tourist season, which began on Monday, after the tourism industry suffered a setback following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

 

The hurricane left many hotels and attractions along the west and north coasts in varying stages of destruction.

 

But President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Christopher Jarrett, says tourism is rebounding faster than anticipated.

 

Speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Mr. Jarrett said the recovery is signalling renewed confidence in Jamaica as a leading travel destination.

 

"We did a tour - myself and Minister Bartlett and several delegates and senior officers at [Jamaica] Tourist Board - and what we were being told by the management of the airport was that the numbers for November are quite in line and with the numbers that we saw last year at this time," he revealed. 

 

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has said the sector is 71 per cent ready to accommodate arrivals in the aftermath of the hurricane.

 

Meanwhile, Director of Couples Resorts, Paul Issa, said his properties have recorded reasonably good occupancy levels since reopening on December 1.

 

Mr. Issa, who was also a guest on the Morning Agenda, explained that the resorts were closed for one month due to the effects of the hurricane.

 

"We do have a core of guests that will always come and will always spread the word that everything is fine. And when you go to the resorts, our resorts, it doesn't look like a hurricane had been through. I mean, we know that

these trees are no longer there and that, but, you know, they they looked like oases. And so we are ready and happy; the staff is very happy that we've reopened. And, you know, the biggest problem for us is what has happened, you know. As I say, Negril is fine, but you go further inland and the devastation has been terrible," he acknowledged.