Jamaica’s main hotels chains are now almost fully operational, a day after Hurricane Dean stormed the island.
Jamaica Tourist Board director Basil Smith said: “Damage to hotels is limited. We expect to be open for business and fully operational very soon.”
Both international airports at Kingston and Montego Bay have reopened, although many flights have been delayed.
British Airways’ cancelled its daily Heathrow-Kingston yesterday, although service is due to resume just before midday today.
Thomson has delayed its Gatwick-Montego Bay flight, due to leave today, for 24 hours. The flight is due to leave tomorrow at 9.45am.
The Federation of Tour Operators estimates 5,000 British visitors are on the island, many staying in the popular Jamaican tourist resorts of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay areas, which experienced little rain, although some roads are still blocked.
Of the main hotel chains, Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios was without power yesterday; SuperClubs’ Grand Lido in Negril suffered minor damage to its spa and gardens; Elegant Resorts’ properties have reported a few fallen trees, but no structural damage, while all Couples Resorts, Sunset Resorts and Island Outpost properties are running as normal.
Lisa James
