Stakeholders Welcome Reopening of Dunn’s River Falls

Jamaica’s iconic attraction, Dunn’s River Falls, reopened its gates on Tuesday (November 11), two weeks after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica.

The reopening is being welcomed by various stakeholders as a strong signal that the island is open for business following the devastation caused by the category-five hurricane.

Speaking with JIS News, Chairman of the National Cruise Council (NCC) and St. Ann’s Bay Mayor, Councillor Michael Belnavis, said that Dunn’s River Falls “gives Ocho Rios and Jamaica considerable leverage with the cruise lines, reinforcing the point that Jamaica is, indeed, open for business”.

He noted that the attraction remains a major draw for travellers seeking authentic Jamaican experiences and serves as a critical anchor in tour itineraries.

“There is hardly a bigger pull factor for Jamaica’s tourism than Dunn’s River Falls,” Mayor Belnavis contended.
“There’s this old saying that you never truly experience Jamaica until you visit Dunn’s River Falls. That’s how iconic and popular it has been for decades,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Marc Melville, whose company operates the popular Zipline over the Dunn’s River, said that almost every tour is tied to the facility.

“You will have a scuba diving itinerary that adds Dunn’s River as part of its experience. Same with rafting, tubing, or almost anything you can think of. Such is the appeal of Dunn’s River,” he said.

Suzie Phillips from Texas in the United States, who arrived in the island aboard Carnival Corporation’s Holland America, which docked at the Ocho Rios pier on November 11, was looking forward to visiting Dunn’s River Falls.

“I have been hearing great things about the attraction and I’m looking forward to experiencing it. I’ll be taking home a Dunn’s River postcard,” she told JIS News.

New York native Pauline Smith, who was also a Holland America cruise passenger, expressed delight at returning to the site.

“This will be my second visit to Dunn’s River, and I just can’t get enough of it,” she expressed.

Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC) Executive Director, Joy Roberts, told JIS News that the reopening of Dunn’s River Falls serves as a powerful signal to the world that the island is back in full voice, ready to welcome guests with “warmth, rhythm, and the unparalleled beauty” of its natural wonders.

“For Ocho Rios, for Jamaica, and for the Caribbean’s premier tourism narrative, the return of Dunn’s River Falls marks a bright chapter in the ongoing story of resilience and renewal,” Ms. Roberts said.