Jamaica Strong: Helping the Heart of the Caribbean Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa
This week, I joined a webinar hosted by ALG Vacations, featuring representatives from the Jamaican Tourism Board, including Philip Rose, who spoke candidly and emotionally about the devastation Hurricane Melissa brought to the island.
He said, “Melissa tore through the island — and tore through the hearts of Jamaicans.”
Those words stayed with me. Because if you’ve ever been to Jamaica, you know — this island isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. It’s the rhythm of reggae in the air, the warmth of every “ya mon,” and the generosity of a people who make every visitor feel like family.
It’s no surprise that Jamaica was recently named the #1 country where people are most likely to help strangers, according to the World Happiness Report by Gallup Poll. That spirit of kindness is at the very core of who Jamaicans are. And now, they need our help.
Yes, donations matter — and if you’d like to contribute directly to the recovery efforts, you can visit supportjamaica.gov.jm. But the best way to help is to keep traveling. Tourism is the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, supporting thousands of families through jobs in hospitality, construction, transportation, and local businesses.
The Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, shared that Jamaica is determined to welcome travelers again by December 15, just in time for the winter travel season. The hope is for Jamaican tourism to be back at 100%, and the island’s tourism partners — from airlines to hotels — are working tirelessly to reopen safely and beautifully. While the island may not be operating at 100% currently, Jamaica is not closed to travelers. Many resorts and regions will continue to welcome guests, while others continue their rebuilding efforts. Availability may vary by property, so if you have travel plans during this recovery period, please reach out to your travel advisor for the most up-to-date information. Your advisor can help confirm which resorts are open and ensure your visit supports communities that need it most. This is the benefit of using a travel professional for your vacation planning.
If you have a trip booked between now and December 15, and are thinking about canceling your trip, please consider rebooking instead. And if you’re planning a Caribbean vacation in 2026, please — consider choosing Jamaica. Every plane that lands, every room booked, every traveler who returns helps this resilient nation rebuild stronger than before.
Currently, Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) remains closed for at least another week. However, Ian Fleming International Airport near Ocho Rios is open, and Kingston’s Norman Manley Airport is operating for both relief and commercial flights and the Board of Tourism is working with airlines partners American Airlines and Jet Blue to increase the number of flights servicing those airports.
The Jamaican people have shown the world time and again what it means to rise with grace and grit. Let’s stand with them — not just with words, but with presence, purpose, and plans to return to the island we all love.
Because the best way to support Jamaica… is to visit Jamaica. 💚💛🖤
