KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Toronto, Canada, to begin a two-day strategic engagement mission aimed at deepening partnerships in one of Jamaica’s most vital source markets. Coordinated by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), this visit comes at a pivotal moment as Destination Jamaica intensifies its winter season preparations and accelerates its post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

Minister Bartlett noted that the Canadian market, which was already demonstrating strong pre-Melissa demand, remains central to Jamaica’s global tourism outlook. He said, “Canada continues to be one of our largest and most reliable partners. With several new routes coming online this winter and strong interest from travellers seeking warm, safe and enriching experiences, this mission ensures that Jamaica remains top of mind and top of market during this critical recovery window.”

Upon arrival, Minister Bartlett will participate in the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert at the Meridian Performing Arts Centre, an event supported by regional partners and members of the diaspora to raise funds for Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery efforts. 

On Thursday, December 11, the tourism minister will participate in a series of media appearances to promote the destination and reassure travellers that Jamaica is ready for the winter season. His day begins with an in-studio interview on Breakfast Television, followed by an in-studio interview on Flow 98.7. He will then attend a lunch meeting with businessman and tourism ally Wes Hall, before concluding the day with a Jamaica Gleaner interview. 

He emphasized that, “Recovery is not passive; it requires presence, partnership and proactive communication. By meeting directly with media, investors, and key diaspora leaders, we are securing the momentum needed to restore full demand and ensure that Jamaica emerges even stronger in 2026 and beyond.”

Minister Bartlett, along with the Director of Tourism, Donovan White, and other officials, will return home on Friday, December 12. 

Miami, Florida; Monday, December 8, 2025: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been appointed Chair of a new high-level Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) committee that will craft a regional strategy to manage the supply side of tourism and retain a larger share of tourism earnings within Caribbean economies.

The committee will focus on deepening linkages between tourism and sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries, so that more value is created and kept in Caribbean communities. It will include representatives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This committee is about moving from leakage to linkage,” Minister Bartlett said. “Our goal is to ensure that more of every tourism dollar stays in the Caribbean, builds our businesses, creates quality jobs for our people and strengthens the resilience of our economies. By working together as a region, we can secure a bigger share of the value that tourism generates in our own space,” he added.

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Ian Gooding-Edghill, explained: “The appointment of Minister Bartlett to chair this Committee concretizes the decision taken by the CTO member countries at the September 30 Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism meeting to expand the region’s focus on building stronger linkages in the tourism sector.”

“As Jamaica has been a leading proponent of the supply side of tourism and the retention of revenues from the sector, the Council of Ministers and Commissioners unanimously agreed that Minister Bartlett should lead this regional initiative,” the Chairman said. 

“We are pleased that the Minister has accepted yet another challenge to further advance the development of the region’s tourism sector, as the CTO’s Council reaffirms its commitment to pursuing this strategy,” he expressed.

To ensure a strong technical foundation for the initiative, Minister Bartlett also offered the services of Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), to develop the Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide the committee’s work.

He further updated ministers on Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, noting that the country is on track to have approximately 70 percent of its hotel rooms back in operation by January, supported by intensive repair and renovation works, and that capacity at Jamaica’s three international airports is already back above 85 percent of pre-Melissa levels as airlift is restored for the winter season.

Minister Bartlett expressed deep appreciation for the strong show of solidarity from sister Caribbean countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, the US Virgin Islands, The Bahamas and others, emphasising that regional support has been vital in accelerating Jamaica’s recovery and protecting tourism jobs.

The CTO Secretariat has also been mandated to undertake exploratory work on the carrying capacities of member states, providing critical data to support the committee’s recommendations and to underpin sustainable, resilient tourism growth across the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, December 4, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island yesterday for Miami, Florida, where he will undertake a robust series of high-level engagements designed to reinforce international confidence in Destination Jamaica as the country advances its tourism recovery and prepares for the 2025/26 winter tourist season. 

Ahead of his departure, the tourism minister explained that Miami, one of Jamaica’s most important airline connection hubs and a major source market gateway, provides the ideal platform to deliver direct updates to media, business partners, diaspora stakeholders, and regional policymakers on Jamaica’s readiness and resilience following Hurricane Melissa.

Reflecting on the significance of this mission, Minister Bartlett emphasised Jamaica’s strong rebound: “Jamaica is recovering with tremendous momentum. Across Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Kingston, we are seeing properties come back online, attractions reopening, and workers returning to their duties with remarkable dedication. Our people are eager to resume full operations, and this visit to Miami allows us to reassure the global market that Jamaica is safe, ready, and open for business.”

Minister Bartlett’s visit will feature a full day of marketing, media, and business activities spearheaded by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). His schedule begins on December 4 with a taped appearance on WSFL-TV’s “Inside South Florida,” where he will provide viewers with detailed insights on Jamaica’s recovery progress, the reopening of hotels and attractions across Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Kingston, and the measures being implemented to ensure a safe and seamless visitor experience. 

The tourism minister will then participate in a strategic business meeting with Airbnb representatives and senior JTB officials, including Donovan White, Director of Tourism and Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas. 

Later in the afternoon, Minister Bartlett will join members of the South Florida Caribbean Diaspora press at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation, Florida, for a targeted media engagement. 

Outlets such as South Florida Caribbean News, Caribbean National Weekly, Voice of the Caribbean, WAVS 1170 Radio, and Jamaicans.com will receive real-time briefings on the country’s recovery efforts, community restoration, workforce mobilisation, and the timeline for the full return of tourism operations. Rounding out the day’s activities, Minister Bartlett will meet with Vinod Sreeharsha, Business and Tourism Trends Reporter at the Miami Herald. 

On Friday, December 5, Minister Bartlett will attend the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Special Purpose Meeting of the Council of Ministers and Commissioners at the Loews Hotel Coral Gables. The meeting will review progress on regional recovery, provide updates on Hurricane Melissa relief efforts across member states, and examine the final draft of the CTO Air Connectivity Study. Minister Bartlett will contribute to discussions on aligning regional recovery strategies, safeguarding aviation access, and strengthening coordination among Caribbean destinations as the region enters one of its most critical travel periods.

Later that day, the tourism minister will participate in the prestigious Nobel Sustainability Trust Miami Summit 2025 at The St. Regis Bal Harbour. Bringing together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, academics, and global industry leaders, the summit will explore themes of leadership in implementation, biodiversity preservation, and smart, sustainable city development. Minister Bartlett is expected to share Jamaica’s ongoing work in building climate resilience, promoting sustainable tourism growth, and integrating smart technologies across key resort areas.

In addition to these engagements, Minister Bartlett will also serve as a featured speaker at the CTO’s upcoming fundraiser, “Caribbean Christmas of Hope,” part of Caribbean Weekend 2025 in Miami. The special event, scheduled for Friday, December 5, at the Loews Miami Hotel in Coral Gables, will raise funds to support hurricane relief and tourism restoration efforts in Jamaica and Haiti following Hurricane Melissa.

He further underscored the importance of these engagements for Jamaica’s long-term resilience: “This mission strengthens partnerships, expands our visibility and anchors investor and consumer confidence as we move into the peak season. It also reinforces our commitment to a recovery that is not only strong, but sustainable and forward-looking.”

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Tourism Sector Records Earnings of US$2.9 Billion Since January

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett wrapped up a recent Tourism Recovery Tour of Montego Bay with news that despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa last month, the destination area is on target to officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025. The announcement comes as Minister Bartlett also revealed that since the start of 2025 the sector has recorded tourism earnings of US$2.9 billion. 

With the official reopening deadline fast approaching, Minister Bartlett said he expects that the year's total earnings should reach approximately US$3.5 billion.

This outlook is strengthened by a recent UN Tourism report which indicates that global tourism arrivals had surpassed 1.1 billion at the end of September, 2025. The UN Tourism Barometer projects increased growth continuing at a rate of 3 to 5 percent. 

The extensive Montego Bay tour was one of three conducted in destination areas so far to determine their rate of recovery and readiness for the official reopening of the sector post- Melissa, which also coincides with the start of the winter tourist season. It covered the Sangster International Airport as well as several large, medium and small hotels and attractions.

Minister Bartlett was satisfied that "the most significant tourism destination within the Caribbean, Montego Bay, is ready for the start of the winter season, December 15, 2025.

Mr. Bartlett was particularly pleased with the positive reaction of tourism workers rallying to get their workplaces back in immaculate condition.  

"I want to commend the workers of the tourism industry who have been not just the energy that drives tourism, but the energy that's driving the recovery, because the reports that I get from all our stakeholders is how committed the workers have been even though they have suffered damage to their homes in some instances," he explained.

In the same breath, he commended the altruism of management who have reached out in support of staff affected to varying degrees by the historic hurricane. Minister Bartlett lauded the move by the operators of Toby’s Resort to give up half of its rooms to shelter workers and their families, who lost their homes. Concurrently, the hotel is also helping their staff members to rebuild their homes.

Minister Bartlett said he also wanted "to embrace the strong public-private partnership that has enabled this kind of recovery." 

The resilient spirit of the tourism workers was a key highlight of the tour for Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton. "For me the key take away was the commitment, not just of the staff but for the staff," she stated.

Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Christopher Jarrett expressed pleasure at the state of preparedness:  "I'm happy to see that we have been as resilient as we could be and have bounced back." He added: "I'm pleased to note that the sector, not just the hotels and accommodation, but the other related sub-sectors - attractions and so on - have also been resilient and we have made tremendous recovery in just the few weeks and are as ready as we'll ever be and look forward to a wonderful winter season."

Bartlett Hails Rapid Tourism Recovery and New Investments                                             

Negril, Jamaica; Monday, December 1, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has declared that Negril will officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025 following a rapid and coordinated recovery effort after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at the end of a Negril Tourism Recovery Tour on the weekend, Minister Bartlett said the uniquely styled resort area – long branded the “Capital of Casual” – has shown remarkable resilience, driven by strong collaboration among tourism partners, their workers and surrounding communities.

The tour placed particular emphasis on Negril’s signature boutique hotels, while also including major resort properties and key attractions along the corridor. Across the board, operators reported that the eagerness of staff and community members to rally around cleanup efforts has allowed many properties to begin receiving guests again and prepare for the critical winter tourist season, underscoring that Negril’s recovery is being led from the ground up by small Jamaican businesses that define the destination’s character.

Recounting several of the most moving examples, Minister Bartlett highlighted how recovery has been powered by people, even those who suffered personal loss.

At Chukka Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay, staff who themselves were hit hard by the hurricane still turned up for work with a determination to restore the attraction quickly. Along Negril’s West End at Tensing Pen, nearly 100 residents came out the day after the storm to clean up the hotel so that it could reopen. The boutique resort is now projecting occupancy levels of over 80 percent early in the winter season.

At Coco La Palm, a long-standing repeat visitor shared how his 8th Grade daughter, Gabby Nichols, raised US$7,500 through a GoFundMe campaign to support hotel workers affected by the storm – a testament to the emotional bond guests feel with Negril and its people.

“I’m very pleased that, notwithstanding how hard the destination struggled at the beginning, we are there,” Minister Bartlett announced. “I can say to the world that Negril is ready for business and will officially open on December 15 as planned.”

Beyond human stories of resilience, Minister Bartlett underscored the strong investor confidence in Negril and Jamaica’s wider tourism sector, noting that all major projects remain on track.

“A second element is the extent to which our partners’ confidence remains very high in the destination,” he pointed out. “Every single property that had planned expansion and further development is still going through with its programme. These investments will secure jobs, deepen local supply chains and strengthen tourism’s contribution to Jamaica’s economy.”

Among the major projects, the Grand Palladium Resort & Spa in Hanover has confirmed that preliminary works have begun for the construction of an additional 1,000 rooms, slated to commence in January 2026. Across the island, other resort properties have also reaffirmed their development timelines. Bahia Principe will refurbish its 1,300 rooms and construct a further 365 high-end luxury rooms to be opened in 2027, together employing up to 3,000 workers. Sandals Resorts has also announced expansion plans.

“What we’re saying to the world, therefore, is that Jamaica is not only a symbol of resilience and our tourism is not just a symbol of strength,” Minister Bartlett added. “It is also a symbol of the confidence the world has in a small destination such as ours, even after experiencing arguably the worst weather event in the Northern Caribbean. After just a month, we can honestly and genuinely say to the world: we are open and ready for you.”

Guests already in the destination have also affirmed the quality of the experience. Chebo, a member of a 15-person family from Cameroon celebrating Thanksgiving at Grand Palladium, shared: “We love the resort. We’re enjoying it. We’re having a good time; the weather is fine. Jamaica is a welcoming country, the service has been good – everything has been good.”

Chairman of the Tourism Recovery Task Force, John Byles, also lauded the pace and partnership behind the rebound. Taking note of “the tourism product’s recovery,” he stressed that, “the most important thing I see, which always gives me confidence in our destination, is the coming together of government and private sector to pull all the pieces together. That is how we ensure a very quick recovery for Negril and for Jamaica.”

With Negril now on track to fully reopen on December 15, the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies will continue to work closely with industry partners to safeguard jobs, strengthen community resilience and ensure visitors enjoy safe, high-quality experiences throughout the winter tourist season and beyond.

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 24, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that a special fund, valued at over $1 Billion, has been established to assist tourism workers who have been negatively impacted by hurricane Melissa. 

The Minister made the announcement as he led a tourism recovery tour of Ocho Rios recently, which highlighted the phased reopening of Ocho Rios hotels, attractions and local businesses, as well as various responsible and people-centred recovery efforts.

Minister Bartlett outlined that "the Government of Jamaica is putting $600 million, along with the private sector which is contributing some $400 million, in creating a fund of over a $1 billion for the tourism workers housing and other rehabilitation needs." 

Mr. Bartlett explained that “this blended approach to funding will enable Destination Jamaica to deploy relief resources more efficiently, by capitalizing on long established public-private sector partnerships.” 

The Minister also lauded private sector players for the assistance provided to tourism workers. He underscored that tourism workers affected by the passage of the hurricane either through its impact on their homes or job disruptions are currently benefitting from care packages courtesy of their employers as well as interest-free loans. He noted that other companies are also assisting with the rebuilding of homes for displaced workers after assessing the extent of the damage. 

Minister Bartlett also stressed that the importance of tourism to national development has again been underscored as the industry takes the lead in another post disaster recovery. He emphasized the important role Ocho Rios must now play in the revival and renewal of the tourism sector as everyone works together on its restoration.

With the forced closure of several hotels and other tourism entities in western Jamaica due to the impact of the hurricane, Minister Bartlett has challenged industry workers in the Ocho Rios resort area to lead the recovery effort.
He projects that a full recovery of the tourism sector will take time but maintains that Jamaica will be open for the winter tourist season, starting December 15, 2025.

The day-long tour included visits to large and small hotels, the iconic Dunns River Falls attraction, Ocho Rios Craft Market and in-bond stores. "Ocho Rios is the resort area that is most complete in its readiness for both ends of the tourism spectrum, - cruise as well as stopovers," Minister Bartlett observed.
He indicated that at least one large hotel in Ocho Rios is already recording a 40% occupancy rate following the hurricane, and Ocho Rios is expecting to secure 18 cruise ship calls for November.

Minister Bartlett will be taking the message of recovery and resilience to Jamaica's principal source markets over the next two weeks. 
"On December 15th when we roll out significantly, we will be saying to the world, you can come and have your experiences in the varied destinations that are in Destination Jamaica," said Minister Bartlett.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, November 7, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed deep gratitude to the island’s tourism partners, including two of Jamaica’s leading cruise tourism stakeholders, for their generous support of national relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa. His comments come as the global tourism industry rallies in solidarity with the destination during this critical period of recovery.

Through the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee — “Jamaica Tourism Cares,” and with the support of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), major partners Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group have made significant contributions to national recovery efforts being coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Reflecting a strong spirit of partnership and humanitarian support, Carnival Horizon made a special relief call to Ocho Rios on November 4, 2025, delivering thousands of essential supplies including bottled water, baby food, diapers, canned goods, cereal, and hygiene products. Minister Bartlett explained that the shipment was handed over to ODPEM with the assistance of the Jamaica Tourism Cares team and Jamaican crew members aboard the vessel.

In addition, Carnival Corporation, in partnership with the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, has pledged US$1 million to Direct Relief to bolster recovery efforts across the island.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean Group has also pledged over US$1 million and delivered more than 34 pallets of essential supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food, bedding, and medical kits, off-loaded in Falmouth to provide immediate relief to areas hardest hit by the storm.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the swift and generous response from the island’s tourism partners: “We are deeply grateful to Carnival Cruise Line and our wider tourism partners for this generous donation of relief supplies to Jamaica. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, our Jamaica Tourism Cares coordination committee has been engaging stakeholders across our key source markets to mobilise exactly this kind of support,” Minister Bartlett expressed. 

“These contributions bring immediate help to families and persons in need, including tourism workers, and signal to the world that our tourism family is standing with Jamaica. They also strengthen our ability to restore lives and livelihoods and help enable Jamaica to recover and emerge stronger and even more resilient,” he added.

At the same time, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Jamaica has long been a beloved destination for Carnival guests, thanks in large part to the warmth of its people. We know the strength and resilience of Jamaicans will help get them through this difficult time, and we look forward to making our first official visit with guests as soon as government officials say they’re ready.”

In an effort to aid in the relief process, the Ministry of Tourism, through its public bodies the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has worked with local organizations and leaders to distribute the donated items to hurricane victims. Distribution began on November 5, 2025 in the parishes of Trelawny, St. James and Hanover, with the process set to continue in the coming days. Minister Bartlett underscored that these efforts form part of the wider national relief and recovery programme coordinated by ODPEM, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the transparent distribution of aid.

The tourism minister noted that further initiatives will be intensified in the coming weeks under the Jamaica Tourism Cares banner to support especially tourism workers and their families affected by the hurricane.

“Tourism is not only about arrivals and revenues; it is about responsibility. Our partners have responded with speed and generosity, and together we are helping Jamaica and our people to heal, community by community, home by home,” Minister Bartlett noted.

Bartlett Activates Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, October 30, 2025: In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has set a firm target for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation by December 15, 2025. To deliver on that goal, the Ministry has 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 December 15,” said Minister Bartlett. “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. The Task Force comprises a distinguished cross-section of public and private sector leaders, including Hon. Tova Hamilton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism; Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC); and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. Also serving on the Task Force are Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI); Ian Dear, Board Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo); Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at SRI; and Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA). They are joined by Wayne Cummings, former President of the JHTA and Chief Executive Officer of Arya Holding Jamaica; Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo; Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF); Tanikie McClarthy Allen, Senior Communications Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism; and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Supporting the work of the Recovery Task Force is the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”), chaired by Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at SRI. The team includes Christopher Jarrett, President of the JHTA; Nicola Madden-Greig, former JHTA President and Group Director of Marketing and Sales at the Courtleigh Hospitality Group; Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director for the JTB in the United Kingdom; Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith; and Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations. They will be joined by a representative from Jamaica Customs; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Angella Bennett, Regional Director for the JTB in Canada; Phillip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the United States and the Americas; representatives from the Inverotel Group; with support from representatives from the Ministry’s Communications Team.

The Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force will drive the operational restart of the sector—prioritising rapid assessments, product rehabilitation, and service readiness across resorts, attractions, airports/ports, and key corridors. Working through agency and private-sector leads, it will assist with the clearing of bottlenecks, sequencing repairs, and coordinate go-to-market readiness to restore safety, service quality, and visitor confidence by December 15, 2025.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”) will organise the giving and goodwill that accelerates recovery. It will identify, coordinate, and mobilise assistance—cash, in-kind goods, skilled volunteers, and technical expertise—from across the tourism community and, in alignment with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), route it efficiently via supportjamaica.gov.jm for transparent processing and timely delivery to workers, Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and communities that power the visitor economy.
What “Alignment” Looks Like:
• 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.

Minister 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,” added the Tourism Minister.
 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Jamaica's tourism industry is showcasing its resilience and crisis management capabilities as it prepares for Hurricane Melissa, with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighting the sector's comprehensive preparedness systems that will be activated.

Minister Bartlett emphasized that Jamaica's proven track record in preparedness positions the destination to maintain its reputation for visitor safety and operational excellence even during challenging weather conditions.

“Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises is what continues to set Jamaica apart as a world-class destination,” Minister Bartlett stated. “Resilience has long been at the heart of Jamaica's tourism success. We have learnt from experience that preparedness is the foundation of recovery.”

The Ministry of Tourism has activated its sophisticated Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) as of Thursday, October 23, 2025. The TEOC will coordinate seamlessly with the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, its Destination Managers for each resort area and other key agencies, to ensure the safety of visitors and locals and overall sector continuity.

“This coordinated response reflects Jamaica's investment in robust disaster risk management systems across all levels of our tourism industry,” Minister Bartlett explained. “From our hoteliers and attraction operators to our transportation providers and dedicated tourism workers, we have established protocols that prioritize safety while maintaining service excellence.”

The Minister noted that Jamaica's tourism stakeholders are well-versed in implementing their internal preparedness plans, a capability developed through years of experience and continuous training that reinforces the destination's commitment to visitor welfare. “By preparing now, we ensure that Jamaica remains strong, safe, resilient and ready to continue operations moving forward,” Minister Bartlett affirmed. “Our tourism stakeholders remain calm, vigilant and united in our efforts to protect both our people and our industry.”

The Ministry and its public bodies continue to monitor official updates and maintains close communication with all tourism entities to ensure seamless information flow and coordinated action as the weather system approaches.