The Caribbean and Mexico are no strangers to hurricanes, and their recent encounter with Hurricane Beryl is a testament to their resilience and preparedness. Both Jamaica and Cancun have bounced back quickly, ensuring the safety of tourists and the quick resumption of travel operations.
Key Points
- Jamaica's airports and Cruise ports re-opened by July 5.
- Cancun Airport resumed normal operations after the storm weakened to a tropical storm.
- Both regions reported no injuries among tourists and locals.
- Local communities and tourism sectors are recovering rapidly.
Jamaica's Swift Recovery
Jamaica has shown remarkable resilience after Hurricane Beryl. By Friday, July 5, the island's airports and Cruise ports, including Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Ocho Rios, reopened. The island's cruise ports in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth also resumed operations.
Most hotels, resorts, and local businesses have reopened or are scheduled to open soon. The President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association confirmed that Jamaica was largely spared from severe damage, with no reports of guest injuries. However, there were concerns for the south coast, particularly in the Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth area, where several local communities and independent hotels were affected. Disaster relief efforts will focus on these areas.
Jamaica's Minister of Tourism highlighted the island's resilience, emphasizing that the tourism infrastructure remained intact and operational. Visitors are encouraged to contact their travel advisors and airlines for the latest updates, but overall, Jamaica is ready to welcome tourists again.
Cancun's Preparedness and Recovery
Cancun, another popular tourist destination, also demonstrated impressive preparedness and recovery following Hurricane Beryl. The storm, which weakened to a tropical storm by Friday, spared the resort and vacation areas near Cancun from severe damage. Initially hitting as a Category 2 hurricane, Beryl moved toward northern Mexico and southern Texas by Saturday.
The Cancun International Airport (CUN) reopened swiftly, resuming normal operations with airlines flying in and out. Despite 350 flight cancellations as a precaution, the airport's quick recovery showcased the region's resilience. Wind damage occurred in some areas, and electricity was temporarily lost, but 70 percent of the power was restored by Sunday.
The proactive measures taken by local authorities ensured the safety of tourists, with evacuations from coastal hotels before the storm fully hit. The President of Mexico confirmed there were no reported injuries or loss of life, underscoring the effectiveness of the safety protocols.
Final Thoughts
Both Jamaica and Cancun have showcased their remarkable ability to recover swiftly from Hurricane Beryl, ensuring minimal disruption to tourism and prioritizing the safety of residents and visitors. These regions' preparedness and resilience highlight their commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming environments for travelers. With airports and hotels quickly resuming operations, travelers can confidently plan their visits to these beautiful destinations, knowing they are well-protected and supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated local communities.
