THIS week’s report from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) that the winter tourist season has opened strongly is most encouraging.

According to the JTB, Jamaica welcomed more than 70,000 visitors within the first seven days of the winter season, which opened on December 15. Of the total arrivals, approximately 46,000 were stopover visitors, while 30,000 arrived by cruise ships.

The JTB also reported that, in total, Jamaica has welcomed 370,000 visitors and earned US$331.2 million since the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025.

After the disruption caused by Melissa this early momentum is more than a positive statistic — it is a testament to resilience, coordination, and belief in one of the pillars of our economy.

We share the JTB’s view that these figures underscore Jamaica’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism destinations, despite Melissa’s impact.

At the heart of this recovery are the thousands of tourism workers who refused to allow adversity to define the sector’s future. Their dedication has been extraordinary. Many returned to work while still repairing their own homes and communities, ensuring that visitors were welcomed with the warmth and professionalism for which Jamaica is renowned. Their efforts remind us that tourism is not just about infrastructure and arrivals, but about people who carry Brand Jamaica every day.

Kudos must also be extended to the owners and operators of hotels, attractions, and other entities in the industry, some of whom suffered extensive property damage but went out of their way to support their staff.

The Government, too, deserves commendation for playing its part well during this challenging period. Clear policy direction, consistent engagement with stakeholders, and decisive action sent an important signal locally and internationally: Jamaica remains open for business and is serious about recovery.

Of particular significance is the launch of the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP) from which 700 tourism workers who were impacted by the hurricane will benefit.

This programme recognises a simple but powerful truth: Tourism workers cannot effectively serve the industry if their own living conditions are unstable. By supporting housing recovery the State strengthens the social foundation on which sustainable tourism depends.

The strong start to the winter season suggests that these combined efforts are bearing fruit. Yet, we must be clear-eyed. Recovery is not complete, and the task ahead is to move beyond stabilisation toward full restoration.

This is where the international community has a meaningful role to play. Jamaica’s tourism has always been global in character, supported by travellers, travel advisors, investors, airlines, cruise partners, and overseas friends who believe in the destination.

As the festive season unfolds, one of the best gifts that could be given to Jamaica is continued and increased support for our tourism sector. Choosing Jamaica as a holiday destination, maintaining investment commitments, promoting the island abroad and supporting recovery initiatives all help accelerate our return to full strength.

Tourism has long been a driver of jobs, foreign exchange, and community development. Its recovery matters not only to the industry itself, but to the wider economy and the national spirit. With committed workers, supportive government policy, and international solidarity, Jamaica can ensure that Hurricane Melissa is remembered not for what it took from us, but for how resolutely we rebuilt.