Jamaica has welcomed 32,000 cruise passengers from eight ships since Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28. This was noted by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, on Thursday (November 20), when he addressed business interests and other stakeholders in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. The Minister projected that the same tally would be reached in Ocho Rios next week, pushing the...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is inviting travellers to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts by booking a trip to the country. The sector is set to reopen on December 15 after the impact of Hurricane Melissa. “We are well on our way to having the industry largely restored by mid-December and we are rebuilding in a way that is smarter, safer...

Issa Trust Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Couples Resorts, renowned for its longtime dedication to education and healthcare, has launched an emergency relief fund to support employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. In a message to staff, guests, and the broader community, Foundation Chairman, Paul Issa, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to relief and recovery efforts. “We’re deeply saddened by the...

People who operate businesses in and around Ocho Rios have expressed joy and optimism at the reopening of the main port in the resort town to accommodate cruise-ship arrivals. The Ohio Rios Port was closed in February 2024 after strong winds slammed a docked cruise ship into the pier causing severe structural damage. During the closure, scheduled ships were rerouted...

The cruise-ship pier in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, is poised to play a critical role in helping Jamaica recover economically, following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The category-five system has devastated the tourism sector, particularly in the western parishes. Speaking at the reopening of the main terminal at the Ocho Rios Port, in St. Ann on November 12,...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that the sector is on track for full operation by May 2026. Speaking to the United States-based Fox News Network and a wider international audience on November 13, the Minister underscored that the best way to support the nation’s reconstruction is to travel to Jamaica and experience its renowned warmth, beauty and resilience....

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica is mobilising to reopen its tourism infrastructure and welcome visitors as soon as is feasible. He said that while the category-five hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across sections of Jamaica, officials are optimistic about a robust return ahead of the peak winter season, which begins on December 15. “The hurricane hit the...