Travel advisors don’t need a reminder of how devastating Hurricane Melissa was when it made landfall in Jamaica last October. According to a Jamaica Information Service article, the storm was one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, resulting in an estimated $12.2 billion in damages and major disruptions for the island and its people.
Now, nearly a year later, the beloved destination has made massive strides towards recovery. To catch up on the latest updates, and to learn more about where the country is headed next, The Compass magazine chatted with the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism.
“Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa has been nothing short of amazing,” said Bartlett. “In the first quarter of 2026, Jamaica welcomed over one million visitors and generated approximately US $956 million in foreign exchange earnings. By April 2026, we welcomed 591,861 cruise visitors and saw strong momentum across key source markets.”
According to Bartlett, these strong numbers aren’t just impressive, they represent travelers’ ongoing support and confidence in Jamaica.
The news is good on the hotel and attraction front, too, with Bartlett saying, “The visitor experience remains as vibrant as ever.” The country’s three international airports and popular tourist sites like Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain and the Bob Marley Museum are all open and welcoming travelers. Meanwhile, 80% of Jamaica’s room inventory is operational with the remaining 20% expected to return to service by early 2027.
Of course, after such devastation, parts of the island are still in need of relief, and many travel advisors and their clients are eager to lend a helping hand. When asked how visitors can support Jamaica’s continued recovery, Bartlett said, “Jamaica’s tourism industry has made significant progress in its recovery, but some communities continue to benefit from ongoing support. Travelers and travel advisors looking for a more hands-on, community-focused experience can make a positive impact by participating in volunteer initiatives offered through hotels, tourism partners, and local organizations. Many hotels in Jamaica also participate in Pack for a Purpose, which helps travelers make a meaningful contribution to the destinations they visit.”
As we approach the new year, many buzzworthy things are on the horizon for the fan-favorite sun and sand destination. “Jamaica is entering an exciting new chapter, with a wave of high-profile hotel openings and reopenings scheduled for 2027,” said Bartlett. “UNICO is slated to open its first property in Jamaica, introducing its adults-only, boutique, all-inclusive resort concept to Montego Bay. Additionally, a new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will bring more than 1,000 rooms to the Rose Hall area, marking Jamaica’s first full-scale casino resort. The highly anticipated reopening of Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva is also set for 2027.”
While there’s still work to do, the people of Jamaica should be proud of how far they’ve come. “Jamaica’s story over the last several months has been one of resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of our people,” said Bartlett. “Jamaicans have continued to demonstrate extraordinary optimism, warmth, and hospitality, even in moments of challenge and disruption. That unwavering spirit is what continues to move Jamaica and our tourism industry forward with confidence.”
Originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of The Compass magazine
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