Jamaica's cruise industry is back on track after the country recently celebrated the official reopening of all four major ports in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Port Royal/Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Falmouth have all reopened and continue to receive cruise ship visits in the wake of October's storm. It's yet another impressive reopening milestone for the Caribbean island destination.
"The return of vessels signals one strong message to the world: Jamaica is open, Jamaica is ready, and Jamaica is back in business," tourism officials from Jamaica Cruising said in a press release on Tuesday.
The rapid reopening was attributed to efforts made by the Ministry of Tourism as well as Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), Jamaica Cruising, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), and the Destination Assurance Councils (DACs), municipal corporations, emergency teams, and dozens of supporting partners.
"Every sector put hands on deck and hearts into the mission, ensuring that Jamaica could welcome visitors again in record time after the passing of Hurricane Melissa. Though work continues to fully restore all attractions and further refine the visitor experience, the foundation is firm, and the momentum is undeniable," officials said.
Jamaica also celebrated a historic milestone this week with the arrival of Vasco da Gama, which is the first homeporting vessel in Port Royal/Kingston.
"Homeporting is directly tied to higher economic impact," said Jamaica Cruising.
"For Jamaica, this means, significant increases in passenger and crew spending, more airlift into and out of the destination, surge in demand for hotels, transportation, restaurants, and tour operators, increased business for essential services including bunkering, provisioning, freshwater supply, waste and sludge removal and greater opportunities for pre- and post-cruise vacation stays, expanding the overall visitor economy."
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