KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for a three-day strategic mission to New York aimed at accelerating Jamaica’s tourism recovery following Hurricane Melissa.
With the United States as Jamaica’s primary source market, the mission will provide direct engagement with major media outlets and key trade publications to ensure continued stability and growth in visitor arrivals.
“Sustained engagement with our key partners in the United States is critical as we enter the Winter Tourist Season,” said Minister Bartlett. “The purpose of these engagements, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, is to stabilize and stimulate our main market. These efforts are vital for our tourism direct revenue inflows and the essential linkages tourism provides to other economic sectors.”
The delegation’s itinerary focuses on two primary objectives: market reinforcement and inventory restoration. Minister Bartlett will be engaging in an intensive media blitz, including televised interviews on NBC’s New York Live, FOX WNYW’s Good Night New York and WPIX New York Living. The broadcasts will be complemented by strategic meetings with The New York Times Travel Editor Amy Virshup and Elle Magazine’s Claire Stern Milch as well as a media luncheon featuring leading industry publications such as Travel Weekly, Latte Luxury Travel and Travel Pulse.
By highlighting Jamaica’s hurricane recovery and global tourism resilience, the mission underscores that the destination remains "open for business" and ready to welcome visitors.
Reflecting on the progress made since the storm, Minister Bartlett noted, "Our recovery has exceeded expectations. Jamaica is not just back; we are stronger and more resilient. The dedication of our tourism workers, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, exemplifies the true spirit of Jamaica. Every visitor who chooses Jamaica during this time directly supports the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of livelihoods."
The mission comes on the heels of the official start of the 2025/26 Winter Tourist Season on December 15. Currently, approximately 70% of Jamaica’s hotel inventory is operational, with all major airports and attractions fully open to the public. To date, Jamaica has already welcomed over 300,000 visitors in the six weeks following the hurricane, signalling a robust rebound for the industry.
The Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Donovan White, Director of Tourism, and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). They are scheduled to return to the island on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
