As Hurricane Melissa sweeps across the Caribbean, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has assured visitors that their safety remains the government’s highest priority.

The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), which operates under the Ministry of Tourism, has been fully activated to coordinate all hurricane-related efforts within the tourism sector. Acting as the central hub, the TEOC monitors weather developments, manages communications, and facilitates real-time coordination among hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and government agencies.

Minister Bartlett reaffirmed that every precaution is being taken to protect both visitors and residents. “The safety and security of our visitors are paramount,” he said. “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.”

According to the Ministry, approximately 25,000 visitors are currently on the island. “It’s all hands on deck,” Bartlett added, noting that hotels, tourism operators, and emergency services are working together to manage accommodations and logistics during the storm’s passage.

In collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), hotels across the island have introduced “distress rates” to help guests who may need to extend their stay. Emergency shelters have also been established at key facilities, including the Montego Bay Convention Centre and the James Hunter Conference Centre in Negril, for those seeking refuge.

Airports remain temporarily closed pending clearance from aviation authorities, but preparations are in place to resume flights as soon as weather conditions improve.

The TEOC is operating around the clock to coordinate support and ensure the continuous flow of accurate information. Visitors are urged to stay in touch with their hotels, tour representatives, and airlines, and to monitor official updates through the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (@metservicejamaica) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (@odpemjamaica).

For assistance, visitors can reach the TEOC through the following contacts:
Emergency Lines: (876) 382-6712, (658) 213-2802/03/04
WhatsApp: (876) 469-0265
Email: teoc@mot.gov.jm

Jamaica’s tourism officials emphasize that the island’s spirit of cooperation and resilience continues to guide its response, ensuring that all visitors remain safe and supported throughout the storm.

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