Bahia Principe Reopening Signals Strong Tourism Rebound After Hurricane Melissa

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the local sector continues its strong rebound from the effects of Hurricane Melissa with the reopening of the Bahia Principe Runaway Bay property in St. Ann, marking another major step in the country’s recovery.

He was speaking at the official reopening ceremony for the resort on Wednesday (April 1), where more than 660 rooms have been restored to operation, enabling hundreds of workers to return to their jobs.

Mr. Bartlett said the reopening reflects both investor confidence and a shared commitment to national recovery.

“The 800 staff members who are back on the job as a result of this great opening… is the kind of commitment that makes a good partnership between entrepreneurs, the State and people,” he stated.

Minister Bartlett noted that the resort’s recovery is particularly significant given the extensive damage it sustained during Hurricane Melissa.

He pointed out that, despite initial refurbishment plans that would have taken many rooms offline, the owners acted swiftly to restore operations in support of Jamaica’s economic recovery.

“You have put forward your agenda and been able, in six months, to have [over] 660 rooms ready to start receiving guests here… the implications are for the people of Jamaica. I am committed to making sure that the people of Jamaica have a chance to recover as fast as possible,” Mr. Bartlett said.

The Minister further indicated that Jamaica’s tourism arrivals have already rebounded to approximately 78 per cent of pre-hurricane levels, with projections to reach the 80 per cent range as additional room stock comes back on stream.

Mr. Bartlett emphasised that the reopening of Bahia Principe Runaway Bay is significant, not only for the tourism sector but also for the wider economy, noting that employment in the industry creates a ripple effect across multiple sectors.

“When people are back at work it means family stability is secure, it means income will flow… and it means the grocer down the road will now get paid,” he added.

Minister Bartlett reiterated the Government’s commitment to the rapid restoration of the country’s tourism infrastructure, urging industry partners to accelerate rebuilding efforts ahead of the upcoming winter tourist season.

“Our partners in tourism… we are opening all the doors. There must be no obstacle to your refurbishing and rebuilding. Let’s get the rooms back and let’s get tourism rolling for the winter of 2026/27,” he said.

For his part, Managing Director of Bahia Principe Runaway Bay, Jonay Guerra, underscored the resilience and determination that fueled the property’s restoration following Hurricane Melissa.

“If anyone walked this property in the days after the storm, the weight of the hurricane… would have been visible everywhere. But along with that, something else would have been just as present. There was effort, there was resolve, there was determination to rebuild and move forward,” he said.

Mr. Guerra noted that the reopening represents more than a return to operations, describing it as a renewed commitment to Jamaica and its people.

“Jamaica, a country, has never been just a destination for us, but a partner in the journey,” he said.

The Managing Director further indicated that the property will continue to play a key role in supporting livelihoods and advancing sustainable development within the tourism sector.

“Over the years, Bahia Principe… has grown along with Jamaica and its people, creating opportunities, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to the sustainable development in the island,” Mr. Guerra added.

The reopening of Bahia Principe Runaway Bay forms part of broader efforts to restore Jamaica’s tourism capacity following Hurricane Melissa, with several other properties also undergoing phased refurbishment and reopening.