OCHO RIOS, St Ann — With just weeks before the official start of the winter tourist season, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will enter the period under a staggered reopening system as the country continues to recover from damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Bartlett, who toured several hotels and attractions across Ocho Rios on Thursday, said the sector, although bruised, is determined to rebound quickly, signalling to the world that Jamaica remains resilient, ready, and open for business.

“We knew we could not bring 100 per cent of our capacity to bear on the 15th of December, but we will open — not as we originally anticipated, but in a manner that allows us to recover together and move forward,” he said during his stop at Sandals Dunn’s River.

The tourism minister underscored the broader implications of the hurricane’s impact, noting that tourism accounts for more than 50 per cent of Jamaica’s foreign exchange earnings and provides direct or indirect employment to more than 300,000 Jamaicans — roughly 20 per cent of the national workforce. He further explained that the temporary closure of hotels has already disrupted multiple sectors.

“One caller today said, ‘The entertainers have no work because hotels are closed,’ and I replied — multiply that by 10,” the minister shared.

“Every closure affects not only the workers in hotels, but barbers, taxi operators, farmers, craftsmen, and entire communities,” he continued.

Bartlett emphasised that tourism workers remain central to the rebuilding and reopening process.

“We cannot open without you. The workers of the industry cannot be, will not be, and must not be left behind,” he said.

He also praised private sector partners, including Sandals Resorts International, for its leadership in restoring facilities, supporting staff, and accelerating readiness for reopening. Sandals is expected to have approximately 70 per cent of its room capacity available when the winter season launches, with the remainder returning online in phases over the coming months, Bartlett said.

Despite the interruption, the minister said booking activity is recovering faster than expected, with one property already reporting 40 per cent occupancy and some forecasting as high as 90 per cent occupancy by Christmas. He attributed this rebound to modern travel trends, noting that travellers now make shorter-notice decisions.

“Today’s traveller is booking today and flying tomorrow. And, as we return stronger to the marketplace, bookings are responding,” he said.

Starting next week, Bartlett said, he will lead an international outreach campaign across the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe to reassure partners and amplify the message that Jamaica’s recovery is underway.

“We are recovering and no one will be left behind,” he vowed.

The minister described the post-Melissa period as the beginning of a new era for Jamaica.

“A new chapter is being written — not just in Jamaica’s history, but in all our lives. And that chapter will conclude with a statement of resilience, strength, and renewal,” he told tourism workers.

He stressed that the country’s well-established reputation for warm, authentic service remains undiminished.

“Hospitality is part of the Jamaican DNA. The world expects us to come back better — and we will,” Bartlett said.

He expressed gratitude to hospitality staff, many of whom continue to juggle employment responsibilities while repairing damaged homes and rebuilding their personal lives.

“If you don’t move, the economy does not move. So fresh up, dress up, and show up — because Jamaica needs you,” he said.

He ended with a promise and a rallying call.

“We are all in this together. We will recover together, grow together, and make Jamaica the best country on planet Earth — together.”

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis (right) has the attention of Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (left) and Sandals Resorts International executive Jeremy Jones at Sandals Dunn’s River on Thursday. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)