Jamaica’s tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience as industry leaders unite for a powerful post-hurricane recovery initiative. The movement gained momentum during Sandals Resorts International’s ‘Back to Jamaica’ town hall event, where executive chairman Adam Stewart received thunderous applause from over 350 travel advisors and industry professionals for his unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s recovery.
The event, streamed live to 11,000 travel professionals across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, served as both a showcase of the newly unveiled Sandals Dunn’s River resort and a strategic recovery summit. Stewart emphatically declared that ‘no storm or weather event will stop Jamaica,’ setting the tone for a collaborative industry-wide approach that prioritizes national recovery over corporate profits.
This display of solidarity featured influential supporters including ASTA President Zane Kerby, American Airlines Commercial Director Alexander Cavalcanti, Jamaican Director of Tourism Donovan White, and MBJ Airports head Shane Munroe. Together, they presented compelling evidence of Jamaica’s rapid restoration progress and operational readiness.
Critical recovery metrics reveal substantial progress: 80% power restoration across the island, 80% water service restoration, and 55% of hotel rooms already operational—projected to reach 68% by December’s end and 80% by January. Transportation infrastructure remains fully functional with Sangster International Airport maintaining all 29 airlines and 48 routes, while American Airlines has actually increased flight capacity post-hurricane.
The industry’s unified message—’charity helps, tourism sustains’—emphasizes that continued visitor support is crucial for long-term recovery. Travel advisors were urged to become ‘demand creators’ and communicate Jamaica’s readiness to clients worldwide, counterbalancing international media coverage of hurricane damage with stories of resilience and rapid rebuilding.