The 2025 winter tourist season begins today. Some of the island’s hotels remain closed following the passage of hurricane Melissa and there is concern about the impact on business overall, even as others anticipate a good season.

The category 5 system which made landfall on October 28, damaged several hotels in St. James, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and St. Ann.

Among the resorts which remain closed are the Bahia Principe properties in St. Ann and Hyatt Resorts across St. James.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Jason Russell told Irie FM news that with the closure of many hotels, business in St. James will be affected significantly, especially as the Christmas holiday approaches.

Up to yesterday, players in the tourism sector and Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett were in western Jamaica making final preparations ahead of today’s start of the winter season.

Speaking at the Burchell Memorial Church worship service in St. James yesterday, Mr. Bartlett expressed confidence in Jamaica’s recovery and again called on tourists to visit the island.

For his part President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Christopher Jarrett thanked stakeholders including the church for their role in the tourism recovery process.

He expressed hope that the winter tourism season will be successful.