Jamaica Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has set a Dec. 15 target date for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation.
To deliver on that goal, Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism has activated a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee to synchronize public and private sector action.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance,” said Bartlett in a statement. “We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by Dec. 15. 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 Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Bartlett serving as chairman emeritus.
The task force comprises public and private sector leaders, including Tova Hamilton, minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism; Lloyd Waller, executive director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre; and Jennifer Griffith, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
Also serving on the task force are Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International; Ian Dear, chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company; Donovan White, Jamaica director of tourism; Jessica Shannon, Sandals’ chief experience officer; and Christopher Jarrett, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.
Shannon also is chairing the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee.
The Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force will drive the operational restart of the sector, prioritizing rapid assessments, product rehabilitation and service readiness across resorts, attractions, airports and cruise ports.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will organize the giving and goodwill that accelerates recovery. It will identify, coordinate and mobilize assistance from across the tourism community. (https://www.travelweekly.com)
