Jamaica Mobilizes Tourism Sector Ahead of Approaching Hurricane

Jamaica says it is taking swift and coordinated action to protect travelers and tourism workers as the country braces for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa.

The government and the Ministry of Tourism, working closely with the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and the wider hospitality sector, have fully mobilized emergency protocols designed to safeguard visitors and ensure an orderly response across the island.

“As Jamaica prepares for the impact of the approaching hurricane, I wish to assure our international partners, the trade, and the global press that the government and the Ministry of Tourism, in close collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board and our industry partners, has been fully mobilized to safeguard the wellbeing of our visitors and tourism workers,” said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.

Both major airports on the island have already closed.

Over the past 24 hours, tourism officials have been in continuous communication with hotel operators, airlines and other industry partners to coordinate the structured departure of guests ahead of the storm’s arrival. That process will continue until airports officially close.

Earlier in the day, key tourism stakeholders convened for a readiness meeting, with another session scheduled for Oct. 26 to ensure the sector remains fully informed and responsive.

“We have also maintained close contact with all our major airline partners, many of whom have facilitated additional flights and deployed larger aircraft to support the evacuation of their passengers,” Bartlett said. “This coordinated effort underscores the strong partnerships that continue to define Jamaica’s tourism sector.”

In the event that conditions necessitate, the government has activated plans in collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to establish emergency shelter facilities for any visitors who may need to remain on the island during the storm.

The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre is now fully operational as the central communications hub, manned around the clock to ensure the highest level of coordination, information sharing and responsiveness until normal operations resume.

“Jamaica has long been recognized for its resilience and preparedness,” Bartlett said. “This situation once again demonstrates our collective commitment to the safety of our visitors and the strength of our tourism industry.”