Travel industry rallies to raise funds for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

Cruise lines, tour operators and holiday resorts have pledged aid and launched fundraising drives to help Jamaica and other affected Caribbean islands after Hurricane Melissa made landfall earlier this week.

 

The category five hurricane was one of the worst storms to hit the region in its history, with the death toll across multiple islands expected to rise as the level of devastation is revealed through recovery efforts.

 

The number of people killed in Jamaica as a result of Hurricane Melissa has risen to 28, prime minister Andrew Holness announced.

 

Communities in the west of the island, such as Black River and Montego Bay, have seen the worst of the destruction.

 

Unique Caribbean Holidays, the in-house UK tour operator for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, which has seven properties in Jamaica, ​will be donating £10 to the Sandals Foundation’s Hurricane Melissa relief fund for every Sandals or Beaches Resorts booking made between now and November 30.

 

The charity arm of Sandals Resorts’ Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission will donate all funds directly to the organisation’s emergency response.

 

More: Government charters flights to evacuate holidaymakers from hurricane-hit Jamaica 

 

A spokesperson said the team is working “hand in hand with on-the-ground officials” across Jamaica to help those most in need.

 

Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, has contributed to a $1 million donation towards hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica along with its chairman Micky Arison’s foundation and the basketball team Miami Heat. 

 

The money was sent to humanitarian aid organisation Direct Relief which will help provide urgently needed medical assistance for communities in Jamaica.

 

Carnival Corporation chief executive Josh Weinstein said: “We’re sending thoughts of comfort and strength to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created unforgettable experiences for so many of our guests and crew.

 

“Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”

 

More: UK travel agent helps with Hurricane Melissa clean-up in Jamaica

 

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Group has pledged more than $1 million to support recovery in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa through Global Empower Mission.

 

The parent of Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises also committed to support local crew members through its Employee Hardship Fund and deliver critical supplies with its ships.

 

Royal Caribbean president Michael Bayley said in a social media post: “Our thoughts and actions are with the people of Jamaica impacted by the Hurricane.

 

“We have been in touch with the government and many of our 1,200 employees and crew from the island. We are coordinating relief supplies to be brought into Jamaica by air and sea for the communities hardest hit.”

 

The Walt Disney Company has committed to contribute $1 million to help with critical relief and recovery following the hurricane, which will also help Disney cast and crew in the region and support non-profit organisations including Unicef USA, World Central Kitchen and Good360.

 

Chief executive Bob Iger said: “Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa, including our Disney employees and their families who call the island home.

“We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need at this difficult time.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), the parent of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has donated up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross. 

“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” said Harry Sommer, NCLH president and chief executive officer.

“The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need. Through our Sail & Sustain program, we’re proud to support the American Red Cross in delivering vital relief and helping families recover.”

 

The Tui Care Foundation has launched a fundraising appeal to support communities affected by the category five hurricane, with 100% of donations going to recovery efforts.

 

The foundation will match every donation made by the public.

 

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association has also started a Disaster Response Fund to support those impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

 

Caribbee agency director Robert Sarran said his team has been working to support clients since October 27 and has already rebooked 40 clients whose London departures were cancelled and is continuing to process balances and issue tickets for Christmas travel despite the uncertainty around affected accommodation. 

 

He said: “Our priority remains helping clients whose plans have been disrupted, and we’re optimistic that normality is on the horizon.

 

“As our focus has been on rescuing those affected, we have had little time for much else, [but] now that we seem to be getting back to normal we will address our minds to how we might help communities in Jamaica.

 

“I am hoping the High Commission or the Jamaica Tourist Board might spearhead some relief effort. I know that the Sandals Foundation is already active as is the Palace Resort Foundation. Jamaica will need a lot of help.”

 

He added: “For those currently in Jamaica, communication remains difficult. In some regions, impassable roads are preventing travellers from reaching airports. Many clients visiting family in Jamaica are facing devastating realities – homes destroyed or severely damaged. 

 

“The images circulating on news and social media are heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. We’ve managed to reach all but three clients still in Jamaica.”

 

Blue Bay Travel group manager Abbie Heaton said: “It is terribly sad what has happened in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Cuba. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

 

“We’re continuing to support our hotels in those areas.”

 

A spokesperson for Royalton Hotels & Resorts, which has five properties in Jamaica, told Travel Weekly all guests and staff remained safe and well after the storm. 

 

They added new arrivals will not be accepted until November 15 "to ensure a safe and efficient restoration process" and guests with reservations during this intervening period will be able to rebook or relocate to another property at no additional costs. 

 

"In Negril, guests have returned to their rooms, and several food and beverage services are back in operation. In Montego Bay, while infrastructure and communications are still being resorted, everyone is safe, cared for and has access to essential needs," the spokesperson said.

 

"We are deeply grateful to our guests, hosts, partners and local communities for their understanding and support the resilience of Jamaica and its people inspire us as recovery efforts continue."

 

The UK government is mobilising an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding – on top of £2.5 million announced earlier last week - to support the Caribbean region’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

 

The new funding will enable the UK to send humanitarian supplies - including more than 3,000 shelter kits and over 1,500 solar powered lanterns to help those whose homes have been damaged and those without power.

 

The UK is working with the World Food Programme and Red Cross, to ensure emergency relief reaches those who need it most.

 

UK humanitarian and technical experts have been deployed to the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid.  

 

Some of the funding will be used to match public donations up to £1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appeal in support of Jamaica.

 

Meanwhile, the UK is in close contact with travel companies who are working to restore flights for holidaymakers and British nationals. Foreign Office teams are preparing flights to support British nationals who are unable to fly home commercially.

 

A specialist FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Jamaica to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals.