The reopening of Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay restores 664 rooms and 800 jobs, marking a major step in Jamaica’s tourism recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Officials say the milestone strengthens economic growth, boosts visitor capacity, and reinforces Jamaica’s position as a leading Caribbean destination.
Runaway Bay, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism sector marked a major milestone this week with the reopening of the Bahia Principe resort in Runaway Bay, restoring 664 rooms to the island’s accommodation inventory and bringing 800 workers back to their jobs.
The reopening, celebrated during a grand ceremony attended by government officials, resort executives, staff, and media, represents a significant step in the country’s recovery following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, hailed the development as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewed growth within the sector.
“Six hundred and sixty-four rooms have been returned to Jamaica’s accommodation stock,” Bartlett said. “That is 664 reasons for families across the world to come to Jamaica — 664 rooms that will welcome visitors, create memories, and drive economic activity throughout this community and beyond.”
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Beyond increasing room capacity, the reopening has had an immediate and meaningful impact on employment, with 800 Jamaicans returning to work at the property. Officials emphasized that this reflects the broader recovery momentum taking place across the island.
Director of Tourism Donovan White noted that international demand for Jamaica remains strong.
“We are seeing sustained interest from our major markets,” White said. “As we continue restoring capacity, we are reinforcing our position as the Caribbean’s leading destination. Jamaica is open, ready, and welcoming the world back with authentic hospitality.”
The reopening also underscores continued investor confidence in Jamaica’s tourism industry. Resort operator Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts announced plans to reopen a second major property on December 1, 2026, which is expected to add hundreds more rooms and jobs.
The Runaway Bay milestone forms part of a wider national recovery strategy. Several major hotel chains, including Sandals, RIU, Moon Palace, Jamaica Inn, and Half Moon, have already resumed operations. Meanwhile, key resort areas such as Kingston, Portland, and Ocho Rios were among the first to reopen following the hurricane, with attractions across the island remaining operational.
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Tourism continues to play a critical role in Jamaica’s economy, contributing approximately 30 percent of GDP, generating substantial foreign exchange earnings, and employing about 20 percent of the workforce. Its impact extends across multiple sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and entertainment.
As Minister Bartlett summarized during the ceremony: “When tourism thrives, Jamaica thrives. When hotels like this one reopen, families eat, communities prosper, and the entire nation moves forward.”
With renewed capacity, restored jobs, and continued investment, Jamaica’s tourism sector appears firmly on track toward full recovery.