One year after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is welcoming travelers back with renewed energy, reopened resorts, and a remarkable story of resilience. In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, Melissa Sanchez sits down with Francine Carter Henry of the Jamaica Tourist Board to discuss the island's recovery, what visitors can expect in popular destinations like Montego Bay and Negril, and how local communities have come together to rebuild. Francine shares updates on hotels, attractions, and tourism experiences, along with ways travelers can support Jamaica's continued recovery through their visits, local spending, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you're planning your next Caribbean vacation or considering a return to Jamaica, this conversation offers an inside look at the island's progress and the people who make it such a special destination.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Jamaica's Recovery Is Well Underway: One year after Hurricane Melissa, approximately 90% of the island's accommodations are back online, with resorts, attractions, and tourism experiences continuing to reopen and expand.
- Tourism Plays a Vital Role in Rebuilding: Visiting Jamaica directly supports local businesses, creates jobs, and helps communities recover. Travelers can make an additional impact through donations, volunteer opportunities, and resort-led community initiatives.
- Jamaica Is Ready to Welcome Travelers Back: From the beaches of Negril to the resorts of Montego Bay, visitors can experience Jamaica's signature hospitality, culture, food, and music while supporting the island's next chapter.
Resources:
Jamaica Tourist Board - https://www.visitjamaica.com/
To donate to for hurricane relief - https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/
Connect with Hosts:
This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/
Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/
Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/
Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel
Highlights:
(00:00) Theme Parks & Passports
(01:21) Meet Our Guest: Francine Carter Henry of the Jamaica Tourist Board
(02:54) Jamaica One Year After Hurricane Melissa
(04:41) How the Hurricane Impacted Different Parts of Jamaica
(08:41) Resort Reopenings, Attractions & Tourism Recovery
(11:30) What Travelers Should Know About Returning to Jamaica
(15:10) How Tourism Supports Jamaica's Local Communities
(18:31) Ways Travelers Can Give Back to Jamaica
Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s