Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced a special $1-billion fund to support tourism workers affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The fund, comprising $600 million from the Jamaican government and $400 million from the private sector, will provide assistance with housing costs and other critical rehabilitation needs.
Minister Bartlett said the “blended approach” to funding will allow relief resources to be deployed more efficiently by leveraging long-standing public–private partnerships.
He also praised the role of private-sector partners in helping tourism workers during the country’s hurricane recovery. According to the minister, some employers have already provided care packages, interest-free loans, and assistance with home repairs for their staff.
The announcement came during a tourism recovery tour of Ocho Rios, where hotels, attractions, and local businesses have been reopening over recent weeks. Jamaica’s tourism industry was hit hard after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on 28OCT, forcing the closure of airports and several hotels. Immediate efforts focused on delivering aid across the island and helping visitors depart safely.
Since then, recovery efforts have accelerated, and Minister Bartlett emphasized that Ocho Rios is playing a pivotal role in the sector’s rebound. While he acknowledged that full recovery will take time, he reaffirmed that Jamaica remains on track to welcome visitors for the winter tourist season starting 15DEC, 2025.
As an example of the industry’s resilience, he noted that one major Ocho Rios hotel has already returned to a 40% occupancy rate. He says the area also expects to receive 18 cruise ship calls in November.
“On December 15th, when we roll out significantly, we will be saying to the world, you can come and enjoy the diverse experiences available across Destination Jamaica,” Minister Bartlett added.
