Jamaica Travel News

An Update from the Jamaica Tourist Board

Good news has continued to come in from Jamaica today in the wake of Hurricane Dean. We just received an island-wide update from the Jamaica Tourist Board. Flights resumed today into Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport and many hotels are reporting that they've had little or no damage. Here's a rundown of the latest news:

IN GENERAL

· Nearly 14,000 tourists remain on island. 5,000 residents were housed in 231
shelters throughout the island.

· Hotels are reporting no severe damage and many expect to be fully operational by the end of the day. A round-up below details specific hotels.

· All Couples Resorts, Sunset Resorts & Island Outpost properties in Jamaica have reported no damage, and with the worst now past they will be getting back to business.

MONTEGO BAY AND FALMOUTH

· No major damage was reported to tourism infrastructure in Montego Bay. In Falmouth, a few trees were down and the Falmouth Court House received minimal damage. Most damages reported were to craft markets such as Old Fort, Holiday Village, Success and Bamboo Village.

· No damage was reported to the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal.

· Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Montego Bay reported no damage, and operations should be up and running by Tuesday August 22, 2007, including reinstalled canopy tour lines.

· All seven Sandals Resorts and three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica report no structural damage today as a result of Hurricane Dean.

· SuperClubs' six resorts and three affiliate hotels are open and fully operational in Jamaica

· Half Moon Resort - The 400 acre resort experience only minimal effects. There has been no physical damage to any structure or injury to any person. A survey crew assessed the property and reported only fallen trees, limbs and debris.

· Round Hill Hotel & Villas is fully operational and open for business.


KINGSTON

· Hilton Hotel suffered water damage to furniture, carpets and foliage.

· Pegasus Hotel minimal damage to foliage and windows.

· Altamont Court hotel had minimal damage to roof and foliage.

OCHO RIOS

· The following attractions reported no damage and will be opened for business on Wednesday, August 22, 2007:

· Dolphin Cove
· Dunn’s River Falls
· Prospect Plantation
· Green Grotto Cave

· Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Ocho Rios reported no damage, and operations should be up and running by Tuesday August 21, 2007, including reinstalled canopy tour lines.

• Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, has not been directly affected by the hurricane. The hotel currently has no power but this should be remedied in the next couple of hours. Guests due to arrive at this time have the opportunity to revise their reservations and can do so by contacting the Sandals group or their travel agent.

• Jamaica Inn has a few fallen trees, but no structural damage.

· Sunset Jamaica Grande - No damage to resort. The hotel is open for all guest arrivals as of Monday, August 20, 2007.

· GOLDENEYE suffered no structural damage. Will be open for arrivals on Wednesday, August 22, 2007

· Sandcastles Resort reported no significant damage and is open for business.

SOUTH COAST

· Golf View Hotel in Mandeville reported no damage.

RPORTLAND

· Fern Hill Hotel - No significant damage reported.

· Jamaica Palace - Minimal damage to property.

NEGRIL

· Rick’s Café - Slight damage to bandstand area.

· Sunset at the Palms - No structural damage has been reported, however landscaping damage has occurred. Guests were evacuated from the resort and were accommodated at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. The hotel will reopen for arrivals Tuesday afternoon, August 21, 2007 at which time evacuated guests will also be returned to Sunset at the Palms.

· Tensing Pen - Sustained minimal damage and should be open for business by this weekend.

Labels: Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, weather

posted by Paris & John @ 7:56 PM