October 28 - As Jamaica faces down Hurricane Melissa, the travel industry is watching and waiting and fervently hoping that by some miracle the damage from the Cat. 5 storm won’t be as devastating as many predict.

Some 25,000 visitors from countries around the world, including Canada, are in-destination and facing the storm, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says their safety and security are his top priorities.

Jamaica’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) is working closely with hoteliers, transportation providers, and government agencies. Hotels and resorts are offering distress rates, while designated shelters include the Montego Bay Convention Centre and James Hunter Conference Centre in Negril.

Travellers are advised to stay in close contact with hotels, travel reps, and airlines while monitoring updates from official channels.

“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,” said Minister Bartlett this morning.

Official information and advisories 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

Sustained Wind Speeds Of 280 KPH

Melissa is close to making landfall on Jamaica as by far the strongest storm to hit the island since records were first kept 174 years ago.

With sustained wind speeds of 280 kph, the storm is expected to enter near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 metres) is expected across southern Jamaica.

Officials in Jamaica said there is no more preparation they can do, and cautioned that the cleanup and damage assessment will be slow. Meanwhile agencies have prepared humanitarian aid for quick distribution after the storm.

“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”

From Jamaica the storm is tracking to hit eastern Cuba later today.

Yesterday the Cuba Tourist Board issued an update, confirming the temporary closure of airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguin today and tomorrow, to ensure the safety of visitors and facilities.

The storm is forecast to pass through the southeastern part of Cuba, affecting the provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Holguín on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. All other popular tourist destinations, including Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon, and Cayo Cruz), Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, are operating normally, according to the tourist board.

The hurricane is forecast to turn northeast after Cuba and strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening. A hurricane warning is in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Collective Commitment To The Safety Of Ou Visitors”

As reported yesterday, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett emphasized that Jamaica’s proven track record in preparedness positions the destination to maintain its reputation for visitor safety and operational excellence even during challenging weather conditions.

“Jamaica has long been recognized for its resilience and preparedness, and this situation once again demonstrates our collective commitment to the safety of our visitors and the strength of our tourism industry,” said Minister Bartlett.

The link to the Hurricane Melissa FAQ page on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s site can be found here.

Updates from Canada’s major airlines for Jamaica remain mostly unchanged as the wait for the storm’s passing begins. Air Canada’s travel alerts page is here; WestJet’s is here; Air Transat’s is here and Sunwing Vacations’ is here. Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat also posted Cuba updates. WestJet has extended its travel alert for Montego Bay and Kingston to Oct. 31 and also added alerts for Providenciales (for Oct. 30 – 31).

In addition, Air Transat has noted the cancellation of TS516 (Oct. 28) and TS484, TS485, TS516 and TS517 (Oct. 29) into MBJ.

With the closure of Holguin airport, Sunwing Vacations operated evacuation flights yesterday for travellers in-destination. Flights servicing Sunwing Vacations customers on Oct. 28 have been cancelled. “For customers travelling to and from other destinations within Cuba, except for Holguin, flights are operating as normal,” says Sunwing Vacations.

ACV notes the hurricane watch for Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica, Holguin, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas, and has travel advisory info here.

Statement Frim Sandals Resorts International

Sandals Resorts International got its start in Jamaica in 1981 with Sandals Montego Bay. For many in the travel industry, the resort company is synonymous with Jamaica.

“As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Sandals and Beaches Resorts are fully focused on the safety and well-being of our guests and team members,” said Sandals Resorts International.

“With more than four decades of experience operating in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, our resorts are well prepared for weather-related events.”

Sandals noted that each of its properties follows detailed, time-tested protocols, “led by trained teams who are equipped to respond calmly and effectively as conditions evolve.

“Guests can be assured that every measure is being taken to ensure their safety and comfort, and that our dedicated team members – many of whom call Jamaica home – remain committed to providing care, communication and the warm hospitality for which Sandals and Beaches are known.”

With file from The Associated Press and Travelweek