NEGRIL, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience with a powerful recovery trajectory following Hurricane Melissa, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. Hotel operations have been substantially restored across major resort areas, with both current occupancy rates and future reservations showing significant upward momentum.
During an inspection tour of Negril’s hotels and attractions this Friday, Minister Bartlett confirmed the nation remains firmly on schedule for its official tourism sector reopening on December 15th. The minister reported exceptionally encouraging occupancy figures for November, barely a month after the hurricane’s passage, with properties like Iberostar achieving 40% occupancy and Grand Palladium nearing 30% capacity.
“The market response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bartlett stated. “Most significantly, our forward bookings indicate strong performance through December and January, with expectations to return to normal operational capacity thereafter.”
Minister Bartlett projected full sector recovery within the next 18 months, emphasizing that Jamaica would be “cooking with gas” once all properties resume operations by mid-2026. Recent assessments have confirmed Ocho Rios’ readiness, while Negril demonstrates confident progress toward complete operational resumption, including both accommodation facilities and experiential attractions.
The minister particularly highlighted nature’s rapid recovery and the extraordinary dedication of tourism workers who maintained professional standards despite personal hurricane impacts. Bartlett praised Grand Palladium Resort’s rapid return to operation, specifically commending General Manager Alberto Grau and staff for restoring one of the Caribbean’s largest properties to impeccable condition.
Guest feedback further validates destination confidence, with Bartlett noting a 26-member family group from Cameroon currently celebrating Thanksgiving in Jamaica. “The clear message is that Jamaica is back,” Bartlett concluded. “Our guests recognize that visiting our beautiful island represents the ultimate show of support during our recovery journey.”