CHTA, CHTAEF and JHTA launch a united front to support Jamaica's tourism sector after Hurricane Melissa

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the CHTA Educational Foundation (CHTAEF), and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) announced a coordinated disaster response to assist Jamaica's tourism communities following Hurricane Melissa. The three entities are working together as a tourism relief task force, channeling financial resources, direct assistance, and operational support to industry workers, small operators, and community partners across the island.

“As Jamaica begins to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean tourism sector is once again demonstrating its unity and resilience,” said Vanessa Ledesma, Executive Director of the CHTA. “We are working alongside our partners and the JHTA to support the communities and tourism professionals who are the heart of our industry. Together, we will help build back stronger.”

Joint relief and recovery initiatives

1. Deployment of the CHTA Disaster Response Fund:
The funds will be used to cover the immediate and medium-term needs of tourism workers, affected businesses, and local communities. Priority will also be given to supporting young participants in the CHTA Young Leaders program in Jamaica, ensuring financial and educational support throughout the recovery process.
2. CHTA Educational Foundation (CHTAEF) Charity Raffle:
CHTAEF is launching a charity raffle with hotel stays donated by its members. The funds raised will go to hotel workers and their families, helping to maintain access to education, training, and basic services. Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible.
3. “One Caribbean” Solidarity Program:
CHTA will reactivate this regional commitment program, inviting hotels and tourism providers to donate a fixed amount for each booking made until December 15, 2025. The funds will benefit small tourism businesses, community-based operators, and workers in the sector.
4. “Adopt a Family” Humanitarian Program
This initiative seeks to connect donors with affected tourism sector families, prioritizing households with newborns, pregnant women, or people with disabilities. Support will include direct financial assistance and in-kind donations, leveraging local resources to ensure a rapid and sustainable response.
All actions will be implemented in coordination with industry leaders and local partners to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable areas and communities.
Joint Support with Jamaica Tourism Cares
The CHTA, CHTAEF, and JHTA response plan complements the efforts of Jamaica Tourism Cares, the tourism sector’s official humanitarian aid channel. While Jamaica Tourism Cares addresses urgent needs on the ground, the regional partnerships will focus their efforts on the economic and employment recovery of the Jamaican tourism sector.
CHTAEF, registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under Jamaica Tourism Cares, will channel some donations toward education, training, and community support programs.
Priorities Identified for Immediate Aid
Jamaica Tourism Cares has identified three critical areas of focus:

Emergency supplies: non-perishable food, water, hygiene products, diapers, batteries, and baby items.

Reconstruction materials: tarpaulins, mattresses, communication devices, solar lights, panels and generators smaller than 5,000 watts.

Essential household items: kitchen utensils, clothing, blankets, school supplies, and cleaning products.

These initiatives reinforce the commitment of the CHTA, CHTAEF, and JHTA to drive the sustainable recovery of tourism in Jamaica, ensuring that the industry—a pillar of the local economy—emerges stronger and more resilient than ever.