JAMAICA’S crucial tourism sector spent Tuesday preparing for the potential impact of dangerous Hurricane Beryl.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced that he was continuing to hold multiple meetings with the policy and planning group of his ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC).

According to Bartlett, the meetings, which included officials of the ministry; chairmen and executive directors of public bodies of the ministry — including the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other leading private sector tourism stakeholders – were aimed at ensuring the tourism sector is fully prepared to face the possible challenges posed by the hurricane.

“The entire TEOC team and all our tourism stakeholders remain committed to safeguarding our tourism sector and ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Beryl. This collaboration among key stakeholders is essential to our preparedness efforts,” Bartlett said.

He outlined that the TEOC team was focused on several preparedness activities, including:

• Ensuring hotels, Airbnbs, and tourism attractions follow comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans.

• Coordinating with local authorities to secure the safety and well-being of staff and tourists.

• Establishing communication protocols to provide timely updates and guidance to all tourism sector entities.

• Maintaining contact with airlines and cruise lines

• Stocking emergency supplies and securing facilities to minimise potential damage.

• Implementing evacuation plans where necessary and ensuring that emergency contact information is readily available.

“The TEOC team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. I urge all tourism stakeholders to remain vigilant and to follow all safety guidelines to ensure the protection of life and property,” added Bartlett.

In the meantime, Opposition spokeswoman on tourism and linkages, Senator Janice Allen, urged residents and stakeholders in the tourism sector to take immediate and comprehensive precautions to ensure safety and minimise potential damage.

“Hurricane Beryl is projected to be a significant weather event with the potential to impact our island severely. It is crucial that we all remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our businesses,” said Allen.

She urged operators in the tourism sector to regularly monitor updates from the local authorities and ensure that all guests are informed of the impending hurricane and provide them with information on safety protocols and emergency evacuation plans should it be necessary.

Allen also implored employers in the sector to ensure that all staff members, especially those who are on property, are aware of the safety procedures and have the resources they need to stay safe.

“As we brace for Hurricane Beryl, it is imperative that we work together as a community to safeguard our people and our livelihood. The tourism sector is vital to our economy, and by taking these precautions we can help mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure a quicker recovery,” added Allen.