Jamaica’s hospitality sector is navigating a challenging recovery after the impact of Hurricane Melissa, with varying timelines for reopening across different regions. While some resorts have resumed operations, others in severely affected areas are facing extensive delays.
Properties in the Montego Bay region experienced significant damage from the hurricane’s landfall on October 28, contrasting sharply with the lighter impacts felt in popular areas like Ocho Rios and Negril. Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, stated, “Jamaica is a large and diverse island, and each region has experienced the storm differently.”
Among the Sandals resorts, five properties in Negril and Ocho Rios are set to reopen on December 6, including Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril. Although some resorts, particularly in Ocho Rios, suffered minimal damage, Stewart emphasized the decision to open in December aims to provide a period of recovery for local staff.
In stark contrast, the Sandals resorts in Montego Bay, such as Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast, won’t begin welcoming guests again until May 30. Similarly, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection has paused operations at its eight Montego Bay-area hotels, including Breathless Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, through January as they assess the extent of the damage.
Salamander Collection’s Half Moon resort in Montego Bay aims for a December 15 reopening, citing local infrastructure impacts affecting its timeline. Meanwhile, Round Hill Hotel & Villas has scheduled a December 8 reopening but hopes to do so sooner, although local infrastructure damage has hindered swift action.
In Ocho Rios, the Palace Company’s Moon Palace Jamaica reported no significant hurricane impact and has resumed hosting guests shortly after the storm. However, the spokesperson mentioned limited commercial flight options as a factor. The resort is currently assisting affected properties by accommodating their reservations.
Couples Resorts, which operates four properties in Ocho Rios and Negril, also reported minimal damage but has postponed its reopening to December 1 for a thorough island assessment. Additionally, the luxury boutique hotel GoldenEye in Oracabessa Bay announced plans to reopen on November 6 after sustaining little damage.
Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force Initiated
In response to the disaster, Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism has established a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force, with Minister Edmund Bartlett aiming for the tourism sector to be fully functional by December 15. Stewart is among those appointed to the task force, underscoring the critical role that returning tourists will play in the island’s recovery process.
“Tourism is a vital part of Jamaica’s national recovery, and guests can feel confident that the best way to support the region is to visit and return to the island they cherish,” Stewart stated.
The late October timing of Hurricane Melissa poses additional challenges, as many resort closures are likely to stretch over the pivotal holiday season. Michael Cummings, managing director of valuation and advisory services at CBRE, noted that the peak season for tourism will be heavily affected, leading to considerable financial losses for the sector. “It’s going to be a while before Jamaica recovers,” he added.
Furthermore, Cummings emphasized that immediate humanitarian priorities are paramount, stating, “How can you expect someone to return to work at your resort when they don’t have a home?” This situation underscores the complex recovery efforts ahead for Jamaica’s hospitality industry.
Update: The reopening date for Couples Resorts has been moved to December 1, changing from the previously reported November 15.
