Jamaica is seeing a strong rebound in tourism after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across the island.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett provided the latest visitor figures during a staff appreciation breakfast at Sangster International Airport in St. James. He said the country has received 180,000 stopover visitors and 114,000 cruise passengers. Altogether, nearly 300,000 visitors have arrived since tourism operations resumed.

Bartlett noted that the hurricane caused major destruction in parts of the tourism belt. However, entry points into the country, including all three airports, are fully operational. Therefore, visitors face no difficulties traveling to the island.

“The first area I wanted the world to understand that’s ready is our points of entry. All airports are ready, and MBJ sets the stage this morning,” Bartlett said. He emphasized that Jamaica is prepared to welcome travelers safely.

The minister also highlighted the resilience of the country in facing such extreme weather. Hurricane Melissa produced winds of up to 185 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 252 miles per hour in some areas. He remarked that the hurricane may be considered one of the most intense weather events in the western hemisphere.

Despite the devastation, the tourism sector is recovering quickly. Hotels, attractions, and transport services are reopening, showing the country’s commitment to rebuilding. Bartlett added that ongoing recovery efforts continue to focus on restoring infrastructure while maintaining visitor safety.

He praised tourism workers for their dedication during the recovery. Their efforts have allowed the sector to rebound faster than expected. Moreover, Bartlett stated that these figures demonstrate the strength and resilience of Jamaica’s people and the tourism industry.

Looking forward, the government plans to continue promoting Jamaica as a safe and attractive destination. By combining rebuilding efforts with strong visitor services, the country aims to maintain steady tourism growth.

Jamaica’s recovery illustrates how the nation can overcome natural disasters while preserving its appeal to international travelers.

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