Jamaica has set up a taskforce to ensure tourism is fully back in operation by 15 December following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will work to reassure markets, communicate updates and fast-track assessments and repairs for beaches, attractions and infrastructure..
The Minister said: “Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by 15 December.
“Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence.”
The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of experience company Chukka Caribbean Adventures.
The task force will also include Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Director of Tourism Donovan White, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President Christopher Jarrett as well as business leaders and other politicians and travel representatives.
The Recovery Task Force will be supported by the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, known as Tourism Cares.
Minister Bartlett said the task force and Tourism Cares will work closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts.
