MANAGING director of Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Jonay Guerra has underscored the resilience and determination that fuelled the property’s restoration following Hurricane Melissa.

The property reopened its doors last Wednesday after being extensively damaged when the Category 5 storm hit Jamaica last October.

“If anyone walked this property in the days after the storm, the weight of the hurricane… would have been visible everywhere. But along with that, something else would have been just as present. There was effort, there was resolve, there was determination to rebuild and move forward,” said Guerra.

He declared that the reopening represents more than a return to operations and described it as a renewed commitment to Jamaica and its people.

“Jamaica, a country, has never been just a destination for us, but a partner in the journey,” added Guerra as he indicated that the property will continue to play a key role in supporting livelihoods and advancing sustainable development within the tourism sector.

“Over the years, Bahia Principe… has grown along with Jamaica and its people, creating opportunities, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to the sustainable development in the island,” declared Guerra.

In his address Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said the sector continues its strong rebound as he noted that the reopening of the more-than-660-room property has enabled hundreds of workers to return to their jobs.

According to Bartlett, the reopening reflects both investor confidence and a shared commitment to national recovery.

“The 800 staff members who are back on the job as a result of this great opening… is the kind of commitment that makes a good partnership between entrepreneurs, the State and people,” said Bartlett.

He argued that the resort’s recovery is particularly significant given the extensive damage it sustained during Hurricane Melissa.

The tourism minister pointed out that, despite initial refurbishment plans that would have taken many rooms offline, the owners acted swiftly to restore operations in support of Jamaica’s economic recovery.

“Six hundred and sixty-four rooms have returned to Jamaica’s accommodation stock. That is 664 reasons for families across the world to come to Jamaica — 664 rooms that will welcome visitors, create memories, and drive economic activity throughout this community and beyond. It is also a bold commitment by our hotel partner to the sector’s recovery,” said Bartlett.

In the meantime, Director of Tourism Donovon White said the reopening represents the kind of momentum that has been building across the destination.

“We are seeing strong and sustained interest in Jamaica from our major markets and, as we continue to restore capacity, we are reinforcing our position as the Caribbean’s leading destination. Jamaica is open, Jamaica is ready, and we are welcoming the world back with the authentic hospitality that defines us,” said White.