Tourism rebound hits 80 per cent as Half Moon reopens – Bartlett

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded to more than 80 per cent of pre-hurricane levels, with the reopening of Half Moon signalling renewed confidence in the island’s post-Melissa recovery.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the recovery has been driven by the steady return of hotel rooms and visitor arrivals, supported by continued investment in the sector.

“Yesterday, we brought back 660 rooms to the inventory, and today we bring back a little over 200… we will be now over 80 per cent in the recovery of arrivals into the country,” Bartlett said.

The latest boost came with the official reopening of Eclipse at Half Moon, which returned 57 beachfront rooms to the island’s luxury inventory following months of restoration after Hurricane Melissa.

The reopening ceremony, held on Thursday, featured a symbolic “phoenix rising” performance and a non-traditional opening in which dignitaries applauded staff into the hotel, a gesture highlighting the role of workers in the recovery process.

Bartlett said developments such as Half Moon’s reopening are critical to restoring jobs and economic stability.

“Jobs mean income, and income means the ability to provide for your families… and that is the critical purpose of this recovery,” he said.

Hurricane Melissa, which struck in October 2025, caused an estimated US$12.2 billion in damage, more than half of Jamaica’s gross domestic product, severely disrupting tourism operations across the island.

Despite the impact, the sector rebounded quickly, with 72 per cent of hotel rooms restored within eight weeks and more than half a million visitors returning by late 2025.

Jamaica recorded 3.7 million visitors last year, generating approximately US$4.9 billion in earnings, underscoring the resilience of the industry.

TESTAMENT TO DETERMINATION

Managing Director Shernette Crichton described the reopening as a testament to the determination of the team and the wider tourism sector.

“Hurricane Melissa came through Western Jamaica like a thief in broad daylight and took things from us that we never imagined we could lose,” she said.

“But look around today, every team member here is proof that Melissa did not get the last word. And now we are fortunate to do what we do best, deliver authentic Jamaican service with a smile.”

The Eclipse property features 57 beachfront accommodations, along with an infinity-edge pool, restaurants and bars, while the resort has also reopened its reimagined villas offering six- and seven-bedroom units. Additional rooms are expected to come back on stream later this year.

Located along a two-mile stretch of coastline in Montego Bay, Half Moon remains one of Jamaica’s flagship luxury resorts and a key part of the island’s tourism product.

Bartlett said the focus now is not only on recovery but on strengthening the industry’s long-term resilience and economic impact.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com