Jamaica is set to bring back more than 1,900 hotel rooms in December 2026 as part of a larger recovery plan to restore over 11,000 rooms between 2026 and early 2027, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) reported. This phased reopening is aimed at rebuilding the accommodation capacity that was disrupted by Hurricane Melissa.
Hotels scheduled to reopen in December 2026 include Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean), MGM Muthu Crystal Cove, MGM Muthu Diamond Lagoon (formerly Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach), and Joia Rose Hall. These announcements were made at the Jamaica
Product Exchange (JAPEX) event held at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios.
Airline Seats, Visitor Arrivals and Revenue from January to August 2026
Between January and August 2026, almost 1.9 million airline seats were available for travel to Jamaica, with an 85 percent load factor indicating strong passenger demand. During the same period, the island welcomed 2.3 million visitors and generated US$2.5 billion in tourism revenue, according to the JTB.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa and Demand Indicators
Available airline seats decreased by approximately 22 percent compared to 2025 due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa. Passenger arrivals also fell by just under 20 percent year on year. Nevertheless, load factors increased by 3.8 percent, reflecting solid demand despite
the reduced capacity.
Official Statements on Recovery and Revenue Focus
Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas at JTB, stated: “Overall, we have over 11,000 more rooms coming back on stream between 2026 and 2027. That is a remarkable feat.” He emphasized that the recovery momentum will strengthen in the first quarter of 2027 with just under 3,500 additional rooms reopening.
Rose highlighted a strategic shift in Jamaica’s tourism sector, saying, “We no longer celebrate just heads and beds. We no longer celebrate bums in seats. We celebrate the revenue that’s generated.” This approach aligns with Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 strategy, which seeks to maximize economic
benefits from tourism.
