Jamaica’s tourism industry deserves considerable praise for the determination and collaboration that have propelled it towards recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The progress made since that Category 5 storm is a testament to the commitment of stakeholders across the sector, from large hotel operators to small tourism enterprises, attractions, ground transportation providers, the public agencies supporting the industry, and the thousands of Jamaicans who make a living from tourism directly and indirectly.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett’s projection that the sector will achieve 88 per cent recovery by December, with full recovery expected by May 2027, is encouraging.

Credit must go to the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and the many businesses and workers who have laboured to restore damaged properties, resume operations, and reassure visitors that Jamaica remains ready to welcome them. Their efforts deserve recognition, particularly given the supply chain difficulties and financing constraints that have complicated the rebuilding process.

Equally encouraging is the projection of 1.3 million airline seats into Jamaica this winter, 23 per cent above the corresponding 2025 period and on par with 2024. With 900,000 seats projected from the US, and another 400,000 from Canada, alongside growing interest from South America, these figures speak volumes about Jamaica’s enduring appeal as a visitor destination.

The confidence reflected in those projections should not be taken for granted. It is the result of years of investment in the country’s tourism product, sustained destination marketing, and the efforts of people who understand that Jamaica’s reputation depends on the experience visitors receive. Additionally, we should not discount the spectacular reduction in crime, particularly homicides, thanks to the relentless work of the security forces and the Government’s massive investment in national security.

The challenge now is to translate that demand into increased arrivals, earnings, and employment while completing the restoration of the remaining facilities.

One significant obstacle, however, demands urgent attention: The pace at which insurers are settling claims for hurricane damage.

The Insurance Association of Jamaica reported that its members had paid $54.35 billion in property and motor insurance claims, with 8,357 of 9,340 claims settled by September 30. Those figures suggest substantial progress overall, but they do not reveal how much remains outstanding in the tourism sector, where operators have repeatedly raised concerns about delays.

Insurers must appreciate that their responsibilities extend beyond processing paperwork. When legitimate claims are delayed, hotel owners and other tourism operators can be left without the funds needed to complete repair work and reopen businesses. The consequences reach far beyond the policyholder, affecting workers whose livelihoods depend on those establishments, suppliers awaiting business, and communities that rely on tourism spending.

We therefore urge insurers to move with greater urgency in resolving outstanding, valid claims. Policyholders who have met their obligations should not be made to endure prolonged inconvenience and uncertainty when they turn to their insurers for assistance after disaster strikes. Proper assessment and the prevention of fraudulent claims are necessary, but neither should become an excuse for avoidable delays.

The insurance sector must recognise that prompt settlements are an essential part of national recovery, not merely a private contractual matter.

The proposed Tourism Resilience Fund, including consideration of parametric insurance arrangements, merits serious examination as Jamaica prepares for future climate-related disruptions. Building greater resilience must mean reducing the time between disaster, financial relief, and reconstruction.

For now, Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders have given the country good reason to be proud.