On Oct. 30, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and ALG Vacations (ALGV) collaborated on a webinar to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and guide travel advisors through the island’s ongoing recovery. The session focused on supporting Jamaica’s tourism industry, providing updates and sharing recovery plans.
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across Jamaica, impacting homes, roads and tourism infrastructure. Officials confirmed that while the Norman Manley and Ian Fleming international airports have reopened for commercial flights, Sangster International in Montego Bay remains closed.
However, leaders expressed optimism that the reconstruction process will include long-awaited improvements, noting that Montego Bay now has “the opportunity to build probably the best airport the Caribbean region has ever seen.”
“Our minister of tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett, had a call with us yesterday, and he reminded us that tourism is the backbone of our economy and therefore, he's expecting us to be up and running come Dec. 15 for the winter season,” said Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism for JTB.
Rose praised the dedication of the island’s communities and hospitality workers, calling them “the heartbeat of Jamaica.” He also urged travel advisors to continue selling Jamaica and reminded attendees that tourism is vital to the nation’s recovery.
During the webinar, ALG Vacations shared its enhanced cancellation and rebooking policies, designed to support both travelers and advisors during Jamaica’s recovery. Travelers scheduled to arrive between Oct. 26 and Nov. 14 are eligible for full travel credits or cashback, including Travel Protection Plus (TPP), with credits issued within eight business hours for use toward Jamaica or any ALG Vacations destination. Departures after Nov. 15 will follow standard TPP policies, and advisor commissions will remain protected. The company also advised agents to wait until travel credits are received before rebooking to help avoid payment complications.
With call volumes up 200%, ALGV recommends advisors use VAX VacationAccess’ “Click to Contact Us” for the fastest service. Non-urgent requests for other destinations should be submitted by email, which currently has a six- to 24-hour response time.
Travel advisors were also reminded to sign up for SMS alerts through ALGVacations.com for the latest policy and hotel reopening updates.
“We all know this road to recovery is going to take some time, but we also all know the spirit of Jamaica is stronger than any storm Melissa can bring,” said Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands for ALG Vacations.
Updates From Sandals and Beaches
On Nov. 4, Sandals Resorts International
announced it will begin welcoming guests back to Jamaica on Dec. 6 in Ocho Rios and Negril, following recovery efforts
from Hurricane Melissa. Following cleanup and repair
work, resorts including Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation,
Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril will reopen with all
amenities fully operational. Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and
Sandals South Coast will reopen May 30, 2026.
"Jamaica
is a large and diverse island, and each region has experienced the storm
differently," said Adam Stewart, executive chairman, Sandals Resorts
International. "In Ocho Rios, which is in the parish of St. Ann, our
resorts were largely unaffected by the most severe impacts. We have
meticulously surveyed each resort, and all systems and amenities will be fully
operational, to welcome guests with confidence once again."
Editor's Note: This story was updated on Nov. 4, 2025.
