Small hotels are experiencing higher occupancy levels, following hurricane Melissa

President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Christopher Jarrett, says, since the start of the winter tourism season on December 15, European Plan or EP properties, have been recording higher occupancy levels.

A number of hotels sustained damage during the passage of hurricane Melissa in October, and some remain closed for refurbishing.

Mr. Jarrett says as a result, the smaller properties have been benefiting.

Meantime, he says it is business as usual in the tourism sector despite reports that thousands of flights across the United States were cancelled or delayed over the weekend.

This comes amid travel disruptions as a severe winter storm impacts the peak holiday travel period.

Speaking with Irie FM news, Mr. Jarrett said while the industry remains cautious, these types of disruptions are common at this time of year.