Domes Resorts Director of Sales and Marketing for the UK and Ireland Penny Naoum has left the company. Penny had been with Domes for nearly six years and was promoted from Senior Sales, Marketing and Development Manager to her Director role in March this year. She has launched her own business, Penny's Serendipity House, which includes a consultancy arm offering strategic business, sales, marketing, PR, HR, and accountancy consultancy for brands in the tourism industry. Penny said: “Although my departure from Domes was very unexpected, I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.” She said her new consultancy is ‘about empowering brands and people to grow with authenticity, purpose, and innovation’. In addition to the Penny's Serendipity Consulting division, Penny's Serendipity House will include a tourism and hospitality training platform and a publishing arm.  

Hyatt Inclusive Collection has suspended operations at eight properties in Montego Bay for three months, after Jamaica was struck by Hurricane Melissa last week. The country’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the island as a ‘disaster area’ after it was struck by Melissa. Hyatt Inclusive Collection Regional Vice President for English-Speaking Caribbean Irene Prado issued a statement saying eight hotels have suspended operations and are not accepting new reservations until next year. The hotels are: Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Secrets St James Montego Bay, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa and Zoetry Montego Bay. Irene said: “Our immediate priority has been the wellbeing and comfort of guests staying at Hyatt resorts. We are conducting a detailed assessment to determine the extent of the physical damage to all properties. At this time, the following hotels in Jamaica have temporarily suspended operations and are not accepting new reservations through January 31 2026.” “While our focus remains on supporting out colleagues and guests currently on property, we are also committed to assisting local communities and contributing to Jamaica’s broader recovery efforts following this devastating weather event. “Hyatt hotels throughout Jamaica will continue to waive cancellation fees for reservations through January 31, 2026, as well as room rates for guests currently on property awaiting departure back home.  If any reservations required pre-payment, guests will receive a full refund within the next 10 business days.” She added: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this tropical system has caused an hope to welcome you back to the hotel once normal operations have resumed.” On Friday, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a task force had been set up to get Jamaica’s tourism fully operational by mid-December. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO)’s latest update says Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay has resumed a limited number of commercial flights. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Ian Fleming International Airport near Ocho Rios have already reopened.

Passengers booked on a seven-day Norwegian Star cruise from Southampton next year have been told they will get an extra three days on board at no extra cost. Norwegian Star had been due to go into dry dock at the end of the cruise, in October 2026, but a scheduling change at the shipyard means the date has been pushed back. The cruise will leave Southampton on 27 September 2026 as planned but it will now arrive at its embarkation port, Lisbon, three days after the original arrival date of 4 October. Extra ports have been added to the original itinerary, which included calls at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, La Coruna, and Oporto, The cruise will no longer include Oporto but La Rochelle, Le Verdon, Bilbao and Vigo have been added and La Coruna has been moved to later on in the sailing. Cruise Hive reports NCL told guests in an email: “Following a change in Norwegian Star’s scheduled dry dock for technical enhancements, your sailing has been extended from seven days to 10 days. “As part of this change, the itinerary has been adjusted. “This new 10-day itinerary provides three extra days to enjoy these exciting destinations at no additional cost. “All existing pricing, promotions, and packages tied to your reservation will remain fully protected.” It added: “If you’ve added prepaid daily service charges, a promotional beverage package, or promotional dining package, those will be price protected based on your original sailing length. “Even better, the number of specialty dining package meals and wi-fi minutes associated with any promotional packages will be increased to match the new sailing length.”

New Entry/Exit System (EES) checks for passengers in cars have been put on hold at the Port of Dover, because the French authorities haven’t yet given the go-ahead, according to reports. The system has been in place at Dover for ferry passengers in coaches, as well as freight vehicles, since 12 October, when the EES went live. It was expected to be introduced at Dover for car passengers on Saturday (1 November) but has been paused. The Independent reports Port of Dover Chief Executive Doug Bannister said: “Following the successful go-live for coaches and freight on 12 October, we continue to work closely with our French technology provider and border authorities towards starting the EES process for car passengers. “Whilst Port of Dover’s facilities will be ready for 1st November, we are being guided by French authorities as to when we will activate. “We have asked for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to start in order to give us time to inform travellers and install the necessary signage.” The EES requires non-EU travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken. EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as EU countries, but it will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus. British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires. See the Foreign Office advice here.

Not Just Travel has appointed Hayley Edwards to the newly created position of Channel Partnership Manager. She will lead NJT’s Partners in Travel initiative, which helps consultants to build partnerships with local businesses, charities, and community groups, generating new revenue streams. The programme has so far brought in bookings worth £53,000, and more support is planned through new marketing tools, training, and events to help consultants scale their success. In addition, it has raised £12,000 for charity. Hayley’s travel career includes 20 years with Virgin Atlantic in various positions, including corporate sales, partnership marketing and supply relations. Most recently, she worked as a Property Consultant for Host & Stay and Sykes Cottages. She will be responsible for developing marketing collateral to help agents maintain visibility with their partners. She will also deliver training webinars and presentations at events, offering consultants strategic guidance on building and growing their partner portfolios. NJT co-founder Steve Witt said: "The creation of this role and Hayley's appointment demonstrate our commitment to supporting our travel consultants as we continue to expand rapidly. We're investing heavily in our team and the tools they need to succeed.”

Jamaica has set up a taskforce to ensure tourism is fully back in operation by 15 December following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will work to reassure markets, communicate updates and fast-track assessments and repairs for beaches, attractions and infrastructure.. The Minister said: “Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by 15 December. “Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence.” The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of experience company Chukka Caribbean Adventures. Minister Bartlett will be Chairman Emeritus. The task force will also include Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Director of Tourism Donovan White, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President Christopher Jarrett as well as politicians, and other travel representatives and politicians. The Recovery Task Force will be supported by the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, known as Tourism Cares. Minister Bartlett said the task force and Tourism Cares will work closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts.

InteleTravel will hold its second river cruise conference next year. The River Cruise Experience will again be an exclusive charter in association with Riviera Travel. It will be on board Riviera Rose, departing Porto on 29 March 2026. During the two-night sailing, there will be presentations, educational content, a treasure hunt and partner networking. InteleTravel UK and Ireland Managing Director Tricia Handley-Hughes said: “The growth in the river cruise sector and the addition of new ships for 2026/27 requires focus and education to maintain our momentum. “This is timely for us as we review our cruise training for launch on 1 January 2026."

TUI Group’s charity the TUI Care Foundation has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support people in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. The foundation said it will match every donation made by the public, meaning total funds donated will be doubled. It said 100% of donations will go directly to recovery efforts. Launching the appeal, TUI Care Foundation said: “The hurricane has caused widespread devastation, destroying homes, schools and infrastructure, and leaving thousands without access to essential services. “Entire coastal areas and rural communities have been cut off by flooding and landslides, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The situation continues to evolve by the hour, and urgent support is needed. “In response, the TUI Care Foundation is mobilising its Emergency Relief Fund to provide both immediate and long-term recovery aid.” For more information and to donate, click here.

American Airlines is adding a summer service between New York and Edinburgh next year. Flights between JFK and the Scottish capital will operate from 8 March until 24 October on a new Airbus A321XLR. Tickets go on sale on 3 November. The new route compliments American’s seasonal Edinburgh-Philadelphia service, which started in summer 2025, and which will continue next summer, from 28 March 2026. Philadelphia flights will operate until 24 October 2026, using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Riviera Travel recently appointed Gemma Ashworth as Key Account Manager for home-based agents. Here's what we found out about Gemma in our quick Q&A... I never travel without… my phone so I can capture all the memories in pictures. The famous person (dead or alive) I’d most like to sit next to on a plane is… Sir Alex Ferguson to hear all of his stories of his time at Man Utd. My weakness is… chocolate. The next place I’ll visit is… New York with my Mum to celebrate her birthday. The worst thing I've ever eaten or drunk abroad was… chilli Tequilla. My bucket-list destination is… Alaska.  Born and brought up in… Manchester. Live in… Manchester. If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be… a Thai green curry. It's always on the menu in my house. The emoji I use most often is… the love heart. The thing I miss most while travelling is… my three beautiful nieces, aged 16, 10 and five. When I left school, I wanted to be… a holiday rep. I got a job as a travel agent instead. The thing I’m most proud of is… being the fun auntie. I make up silly dances in the kitchen, go head down the giant slides in soft play, and the eldest considers me fun when I'm taking her on a shopping trip. In my new role, I’ll be… working alongside our fantastic homeworkers to grow business. I am looking forward to building new relationships and shouting about how fantastic the Riviera brand is. What attracted me to the job was… firstly, it was the team and the fantastic culture there is at Riviera, but then when I delved in deeper, the array of product that we offer really excited me. See also: Riviera appoints Gemma Ashworth

Advantage Travel Partnership will hold its 2026 conference in Madrid. The event will take place over three night from 11 May, bringing together travel professionals from across the partnership and wider travel industry for business sessions, networking and cultural experiences. CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said: "Madrid will be the perfect host destination for our 2026 event.  A city where business dynamism meets cultural richness, creating the ideal environment for collaboration and growth. "Following the tremendous success of our Malta conference, which attendees rated as our finest yet, we're committed to raising the bar even higher and creating an unforgettable experience in one of Europe's most exciting cities." Registration details and additional programme information will be announced soon.

Panache Cruises has promoted Senior Partnerships and Marketing Director Anna Perrott to Chief Commercial Officer. Anna has been with Panache for nearly three years. She joined in February 2023 as Head of Supplier Relations and became Partnerships Director a year later. Before joining Panache she was Business Development Manager at Windstar.

The UK Government is to charter flights to Jamaica to help bring British nationals home following Hurricane Melissa. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it is chartering the flights to help bolster commercial capacity, Sky News reports. The FCDO said the flights are for those ‘who are unable to fly home commercially’, but said it is also working with travel companies to restore flights. Kingston Norman Manley airport was due to reopen at 7am local time today, but Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport has extended its closure due to 'substantial' damage. A British Airways flight from Gatwick is scheduled to arrive at Kingston tomorrow evening. It told travellers to contact their airline or travel provider first to see if commercial options are available, and if they have already booked a flight back to the UK, to confirm if it is still operating. It said it would contact those who are allocated a seat on the flights directly, and urged British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. An FCDO spokesperson said: "All British nationals who have already registered via the Register Your Presence portal will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal once airports are open. "If you are a British national in Jamaica wanting to leave on a flight and have not already registered your presence, you should do so immediately." "We will prioritise those who are most vulnerable, for example, those with medical needs and children, in allocating seats on the flight. The cost of a seat will be based on standard commercial rates.” The FCDO said it would contact those who are allocated a seat on the flights directly, and urged British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The UK Government is chartering flights to bolster commercial capacity and ensure people who wish to return to the UK can do so as soon as possible." Meanwhile, TUI has extended its package holiday cancellations up to and including 9 November. It said: "At this time we can't guarantee the holiday experience you deserve or expect under the conditions in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa." For those in Jamaica it said: "We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. Our teams are working hard to support those on the ground and ensure you have access to food, water and essential items. "We know that returning home is on your mind, and we want to reassure you that TUI is working hard to organise flights. Currently, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is closed, and we are awaiting confirmation from the local authorities on when it will reopen. We also have teams assessing the roads and local infrastructure to ensure it is safe to transport customers once the airport reopens. "Our teams will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work to confirm the next available flight schedule as soon as possible. We’ll be in touch as soon as we have more details, including your revised departure and coach pick-up times. "In the meantime, our local teams have already extended your hotel accommodation and are on hand to support you. If you need any additional help, please contact us via the TUI app, call our TUI Guest Experience Centre on +44 203 830 3111, or speak with your local TUI Representative." TUI flight-only customers will also have their flights cancelled, up to and including 9 November.   

Hays Travel has acquired 15-branch agency Polka Dot Travel. The agency was set up by Helen Johnson and Philippa Wilcox in 2013. Director Mark Johnson joined two years later. The group's branches, in the North West, Midlands and North Wales, will continue to trade as Polka Dot Travel and all employees will remain with the company. Hays Retail Director Jane Schumm said: “We are delighted to welcome Polka Dot Travel’s people to our Hays Travel group – their expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for travel are a significant factor in our decision to acquire the business from Helen, Philippa and Mark. “We look forward to learning from the team in Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches. We know the Polka Dot team will benefit from the huge choice of suppliers we represent across long-haul, short-haul, and cruise, and the opportunity to introduce our award-winning foreign exchange offer to their customers. “Congratulations Helen, Philippa and Mark on building an excellent business with an enviable reputation for customer care. Rest assured that we will take great care of your people, and we wish you every happiness and success with your future plans.” Helen said: “The time is right for us to sell the business that Philippa and I established in 2013. Mark joined us in 2015 and was integral to our growth from that point. Together we have worked so hard to build our business and it’s reassuring to know that our brilliant people are now part of the Hays Travel family and that their jobs are safe.” In a message to staff, she said: “Thank you for being incredible, we know how much your customers love you and that you will fully embrace every opportunity that comes from being part of the UK’s largest independent travel agent.” The deal means Polka Dot Travel will leave the Advantage Travel Partnership. Advantage Chief Operating Officer Paul Nunn said: “It’s been a pleasure to support Polka Dot Travel since they opened their first branch door 12 years ago, and incredibly rewarding to be a part of their continued growth. “Although we’re obviously sad to see Polka Dot Travel leave Advantage, we’re absolutely delighted for Philippa, Helen and Mark on the sale of a wonderful business. We thank them for the partnership we’ve shared and wish the remaining team at Polka Dot continued success.” Pictured, from left: Hays Travel Head of Brand Graeme Tolchard, Jane Schumm, Philippa Wilcox, Mark Johnson and Helen Johnson

The pound hit its lowest level against the euro in nearly two and half years yesterday (Wednesday 29 October), as concerns grow over the UK economy and next month's Budget. Sterling slumped 0.4% to almost €1.13, the lowest level since April 2023. In the afternoon, sterling fluctuated between €1.13 and €1.14. The previous day (Tuesday 28 October), the euro gained 0.5% on the pound. A weaker pound buys fewer euros, meaning Britons travelling to countries using the currency will not get as much for their money. The pound also weakened against the US dollar, down 0.5% at $1.32, its lowest since 1 August. It is also at its lowest against the Swiss franc and Swedish crown since the aftermath of Britain's mini-budget crisis in 2022, Reuters reports. Analysts said factors affecting the pound’s poor performance include the threat of higher taxes in Rachel Reeves' Budget on 26 November and concerns about slowing economic growth. This morning the pound/euro rate is €1.135, according to Eurochange. Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said it is important that British holidaymakers are confident they are getting value for money in resorts. "With the drop in the pound, I would say it's unlikely we will see an immediate impact on holiday sales. Brits tend not to base their travel decisions on the pound's value and package holidays, for example, offer consumers great value for money. However, the broader macro-economic pressures looming with the impending Budget could be more of a concern," she said. “It remains key, however, for travel destinations to demonstrate their value to British holidaymakers, given the current situation with the pound."

Travellers to Cuba are being warned to expect significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in the eastern part of the island yesterday. The Category 3 storm passed through the eastern province and has now left Cuba. In an update to its travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “The full impact of the hurricane is not yet clear, but damage is expected to be significant. “The storm brought exceptional levels of wind and rainfall, resulting in flash floods, landslides and storm surges. “Infrastructure and services are likely to be severely impacted for some time. The national power grid in Cuba is already under severe pressure and the impact of Hurricane Melissa could lead to further significant power outages.” It urged visitors to stay informed by monitoring local and international weather updates, including from the Cuban Civil Defence Authorities, the INSMET weather forecast centre, and the US National Hurricane Centre.

Virgin is a step closer to launching a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, after getting the go-ahead to use a rail depot in East London. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said today that Virgin can use the Temple Mills International rail depot, while Virgin has also confirmed its investment partners in the new cross-Channel venture. Virgin plans to run services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal from 2030. It also wants to expand further across France, and into Germany and Switzerland. If either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International station are reopened in Kent, Virgin will also stop there, and it is working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore how to make this happen. Earlier this year, Virgin confirmed an exclusive agreement with global train manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains. Alstorm built the Class 390 Pendolino trains that were operated by Virgin Trains on the UK’s West Coast Main Line. Infrastructure investor Equitix will fund the trains. Virgin Group will lead the funding of the operating company alongside Equitix and private equity firm Azzurra Capital. Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss said: “The cross-Channel market is underserved and represents a fantastic opportunity for Virgin to bring greater value and service to customers, not just in the UK and France, but across the wider European network too. “We are pleased to be working with two exceptional and experienced investment partners in Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Together, this consortium will build a new business that does what Virgin does best – disrupt and challenge the status quo.” Leading the project for Virgin Group is Phil Whittingham, former Managing Director at Virgin Trains. Phil said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail. “Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”

Newmarket Holidays has launched its 2028 long-haul programme in response to a growing demand for ultra-early bookings via travel agents. Nineteen of the operator’s most popular tours are available to book for 2028, offering a collection of escorted tours across North America, Asia, India and Africa.  The operator has revamped several of its tours, and the programme includes a new version of its 14-day ‘America’s Golden West and Las Vegas and its 21-day ‘Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos’ itineraries. Head of Trade Sales and Partnerships Hayley Morris said: "We know agents do such a great job of securing early availability for their customers, and we’re seeing increased demand from travellers planning their holidays further in advance. “Launching our 2028 programme early gives agents a valuable head start in helping their customers plan unforgettable long-haul holidays with confidence."

ABTA is inviting members to take part in a new survey so it can understand the travel industry’s current and future workforce needs. The Skills Survey, which will run annually, aims to gather insights from ABTA members on recruitment challenges as well as current and emerging skills gaps. It also looks at how businesses are using apprenticeships, graduate programmes and partnerships with education providers to attract and develop future talent. The survey findings will be used to inform ABTA’s work with industry partners to address skills and recruitment challenges, ensuring that members receive the support they need to attract, retain and develop talent. The survey takes less than 30 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. Take part in the Skills Survey here.

Virgin Atlantic is launching a new service between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand for winter 2026. Flights will operate three times a week from 18 October 2026, and the service will be the only direct route from Heathrow to the island. Virgin said that, by launching the route, it is ‘capturing the growing demand for luxury winter escapes’. Flights go on sale on 26 November, although Virgin Atlantic Holidays has launched packages with the new flights today (30 October). Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.”

Sandals Resorts International has confirmed that all guests and staff in resorts in Jamaica were unharmed by Hurricane Melissa, which left a trail of destruction across the island, killing at least four people. Montego Bay airport, Sangster International, remains closed due to extensive damage sustained during the worst Caribbean storm in living memory, although Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport is due to reopen to passenger flights at 7am local time today. As reported by Travel Gossip yesterday, TUI has cancelled all holidays to Jamaica up to and including 2 November. It is understood to be sending flights to Jamaica to pick up passengers stranded in the storm. In a message, Sandals said it had begun ‘comprehensive assessments’ of all its resorts on the island following the passing of Melissa. “We remain committed to keeping our guests, partners, and stakeholders informed and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” said a spokesperson. The resort operator, which was founded in Jamaica, has seven resorts across the island and a Beaches property in Negril. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the guests who joined our teams in careful preparation and followed every protocol in Jamaica,” added the spokesperson.  “Your cooperation, compassion, and sense of community lifted spirits and brought comfort during a challenging time. “We also express deep appreciation to our team members across Jamaica for their extraordinary commitment and care as they balanced their responsibilities to guests while their own families and communities were affected by the storm. “And to those who shared well-wishes from around the world – from past guests, travel agents, partners, and friends – your encouragement and support mean more than words can express.” Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Jamaica as a 'disaster area' yesterday, with roofs blown off buildings, three-quarters of the country left without power and one half of Montego Bay cut off from the other by floodwater. Sandals added that it is ‘committed to providing all possible support’ to guests whose travel plans have been disrupted. “If you have clients due to travel imminently to Jamaica with Unique Caribbean Holidays , the UK in-house tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, you will be contacted by the operations team shortly,” it said. “If you have any queries in the meantime, please email [email protected]. If your clients have bookings to Sandals or Beaches Resorts in Jamaica which have been made through another tour operator, you must contact them directly to discuss the booking.” The Sandals Foundation has initiated proactive relief efforts across the island. Those who wish to contribute may visit www.sandalsfoundation.org to join the mission.

Royal Caribbean has released details of its European 2027 programme, which will see Mariner of the Seas sailing from Southampton for the first time, offering a range of two- to nine-night cruises to northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords and the Mediterranean. Bookings for Royal Caribbean's entire European 2027 season have opened to the general public today. Legend of the Seas will return to Europe in 2027, offering seven-night cruises throughout the Mediterranean from Barcelona. Brilliance of the Seas will operate new cruises from Ravenna in north-east Italy to destinations including Porto in Portugal and Tangier in Morocco. Explorer of the Seas will offer seven-night cruises across Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek Isles. Odyssey of the Seas will feature seven-night cruises to the Greek islands and Italy. Passengers on Brilliance, Rhapsody and Odyssey of the Seas will have the option to visit Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club, opening on the Greek island of Santorini next year.

A UK operator employee has described being caught in Hurricane Melissa, which slammed into Jamaica just two days after she arrived on the island. The agent, who doesn’t wish to be named, won a trip to the Couples’ Sans Souci and Swept Away resorts at work. She and her sister arrived on the island on a packed Virgin Atlantic flight on Sunday to find islanders were in the midst of frantic preparations as the hurricane barrelled towards Jamaica. She criticised the Foreign Office (FCDO) for failing to issue a warning against non-essential travel, given the fact it was already known that Jamaica was facing a direct hit from Melissa. “I am annoyed around the FCDO advice, because Canada had stopped traveller earlier in the week,” she said. Already, palm trees had been flattened and she described the rain as ‘super heavy’ on Monday. By Tuesday, the whole island was in the eye of the Category 5 storm – the worse to hit Jamaica in modern history. However, the agent praised the Sans Souci resort, where staff moved guests to the safest accommodation, away from the sea front, boarded up windows and doors and moved outdoor furniture inside long before Melissa made landfall. They also kept her ‘constantly updated’ she said. By Tuesday morning, the resort was in lockdown, with guests requested to stay in their rooms. “The way the hotel is handling it is faultless,” she said, just hours before the storm struck. “We all have staff in our blocks, some of them have their children with them.” Supplies were brought to guests in their rooms, including breakfast, and staff checked on them as much as possible. “We felt really safe. I have never been to Jamaica before, I’m more of a fan of the souther islands, however I would come back here year after year,” she said. She and her sister passed the time watching TV and Netflix on laptops they’d brought with them. “The hotel has two generators,” she added. This morning, she said staff were waiting for sunrise to assess the damage wrought overnight. “It was noisy last night, the wind was howling and you could hear debris flying around. We have no running tap water but we have pretty much had power and intermittent wifi throughout,” she said. She said she was thankful she had started her trip at Sans Souci, and not Couples’ sister resort, Swept Away, in the west of the island, which was worst hit. She also praised her ‘travel family’ who she said have been checking up on her throughout the ordeal. “I work closely with agents and built some amazing relationships and they have been messaging and checking in on me. “They have been amazing.” She is due to fly home on Saturday, but has yet to be informed if the Virgin flight is going ahead.

Specialist operator Simply Cuba says it is awaiting reports from its team after Hurricane Melissa made landfall overnight, but confirmed all its customers currently on the island are safe. Melissa made landfall early this morning near the city of Chivirico in the Cuban province of Santiago de Cuba as an ‘extremely dangerous’ Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120mph. Since then, Melissa has been moving north-east over eastern Cuba and has been weakening slightly, although with winds of 115mph. Melissa is expected to move back out to sea by around 8am local time. Around 735,000 people have been evacuated, local authorities declared a state of alert in six eastern provinces, and there are reports power has been shut down to virtually all of eastern Cuba. Simply Cuba said it is awaiting reports from its team in the area, but all its customers currently on the island are safe. Trade Sales Manager Alan Meadows told Travel Gossip: “Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second largest city, was in the direct path of Melissa. We are still awaiting damage reports from our team. “Mass evacuations have been in place over the last few days by the Government to protect lives. Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 but still brought devastating wind speeds. “The saving grace is that Cuba is a large island, so people can be moved out of danger. “Hotels are used to severe weather and implement safety procedures.” Alan said eight passengers who were touring the eastern part of Cuba left the area at the beginning of last week as per their itinerary and are now in Havana or Varadero.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the whole country a ‘disaster area’ after it was struck by the worst hurricane in modern history. Three-quarters of the Caribbean island has no power, and phone lines and cell towers were torn down by Melissa, leaving tens of thousands without communications. Flooding is worst in the west of the island, say reports, but half of the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay, in the north, has been cut off from the other half of the city by the floodwater. Both Kingston and Montego Bay airports remain closed. Authorities say they hope to re-open Kingston airport tomorrow (Thursday), but only for emergency relief flights. Videos circulating on social media show collapsed ceilings in Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, which has also been flooded. Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon told the BBC that the first thing they must do this morning is ‘check if everybody is alive’. Travel Gossip has approached British Airways and Virgin Atlantic for updates on their flights to Jamaica. Today’s British Airways’ flight from London Gatwick to Kingston has been cancelled. It is also due to fly on Friday. Virgin Atlantic has a flight scheduled on Thursday, and another on Saturday. TUI has cancelled its flight due to depart for Montego Bay today, and it is inviting both package holiday and flight only customers due to fly up till 2 November to contact the operator to discuss their options if they no longer wish to travel. It said: “We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. “For your safety, we remind you to stay indoors and follow shelter-in-place instructions. We are doing everything we can to support you and get you home safely. “Due to the temporary closure of Sangster International Airport, your flight home will be delayed by a few days. Our teams will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work to confirm the next available flight schedule as soon as possible. We’ll be in touch as soon as we have more details, including your revised departure and coach pick-up times. “In the meantime, our local teams have already extended your hotel accommodation and are on hand to support you. If you need any additional help, please contact us via the TUI app, call our TUI Guest Experience Centre on +44 203 830 3111, or speak with your local TUI Representative.” Visit Jamaica said it will provide updates for travellers on its website, but it has not provided any fresh information since 25 October. Jamaica’s Tourism Minister and Director and the entire delegation from the Jamaica Tourist Board have cancelled plans to attend next week’s World Travel Market in London.