KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 –

As Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in  Jamaica, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is assuring all visitors currently on the island that their safety remains the top priority as the country continues its comprehensive preparedness and response efforts.

The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), activated under the Ministry of Tourism, is fully operational and serves as the central coordinating hub for all activities within the tourism sector related to the hurricane response. The Center monitors development, coordinates communication, and ensures a seamless flow of information between hotels, attractions, trade and other key stakeholders, transportation providers, and relevant government agencies.

The TEOC consistently liaises with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other key partners to guarantee that all tourism entities are following established safety protocols.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every visitor on the island is safe and supported during this period. “The safety and security of our visitors are paramount. Through the coordinated efforts of the TEOC and our industry partners, we are ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to protect and assist every guest. Jamaica’s tourism sector is built on strong partnerships and resilience, and those values are guiding our response currently.”

The Minister indicated that there are approximately 25,000 visitors on island and, “It’s all hands-on deck to ensure the safety of our visitors and locals alike.”

As part of the collaborative response, hoteliers across the island are offering distress rates to assist visitors who may need to extend their stay, and shelter spaces have been made available for those requiring a safe place during the passage of the hurricane. These include the Montego Bay Convention Centre and James Hunter Conference Centre in Negril.

Airports are awaiting clearance to safely reopen, allowing visitors to return home as soon as conditions permit. The TEOC remains fully activated 24 hours a day to coordinate support efforts and ensure the continued protection of everyone within the tourism sector. Visitors are encouraged to remain in close contact with their hotels, tour representatives, and airline providers for the latest updates. Official information and advisories will continue to be shared through the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (@metservicejamaica) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (@odpemjamaica).

Tourism partners and visitors who require assistance should contact the TEOC using the following channels:

Emergency Lines: (876) 382-6712, (658) 213-2802, (658) 213-2803, (658) 213-2804

WhatsApp Line: (876) 469-0265

Email: teoc@mot.gov.jm

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Contact:

Lou Hammond Group

jamaica@louhammondgroup.com