800 back to work as Bahia Principe hotel reopens after Melissa damage
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Some 800 workers are back on the job with the reopening of Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay, St Ann.
The resumption of operations, following the property’s closure due to Hurricane Melissa last October, sees 664 rooms returning to Jamaica's tourism accommodation stock.
The resort reopened on Wednesday, marked by a ceremony.
Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, in his remarks, stated that the reopening of Bahia Principe marks a significant step forward in Jamaica's journey toward full tourism recovery following the Category Five hurricane.
“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. It is also a bold commitment by our hotel partner to the sector's recovery.”
He stated that the reopening delivers a critical boost to Jamaica's tourism workforce, with 800 Jamaican men and women returning to employment at the property.
Bartlett emphasised that Jamaica's recovery demonstrates the destination's resilience and commitment to delivering world-class hospitality.
“The return of these 664 rooms and 800 team members represents the kind of momentum we have been building across the destination,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
“We are seeing strong and sustained interest in Jamaica from our major markets, and as we continue to restore capacity, we are reinforcing our position as the Caribbean's leading destination. Jamaica is open, Jamaica is ready, and we are welcoming the world back with the authentic hospitality that defines us.”
The resort group's commitment to Jamaica extends beyond the Runaway Bay property.
The company has announced plans to reopen a second major Jamaica property on December 1, 2026, adding hundreds more rooms and jobs to the tourism sector and further strengthening the destination's capacity to welcome visitors.
“When tourism thrives, Jamaica thrives. When hotels like this one reopen, families eat. Communities prosper. The entire nation moves forward,” said the tourism minister.
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