In anticipation of the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the Ministry of Tourism has activated the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) which will serve as the central hub for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts within the tourism sector.

The TEOC is located at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel and was officially activated at midday yesterday (July 2).

“We are closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Beryl. I have met key industry partners to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken,” Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said.

“The safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of ODPEM’s (Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to ensure the protection of life and property,” he continued

The TEOC will serve as the central communication point for the tourism sector that provides official information and updates on the hurricane’s progress and any potential challenges posed by the weather system in relation to tourism facilities. The TEOC will also work closely with the NEOC to coordinate requests for assistance and ensure a swift recovery from any storm-related impact.

Bartlett outlined that as part of the primary purpose of the TEOC, it performs four key functions: information collection, analysis and dissemination, coordination, communication, and resource requesting and tracking.

“The TEOC is the official source of information for the tourism sector as we seek to assist our tourism partners and safeguard the industry,” the minister stressed.

“Jamaica has a proven track record of resilience in the face of challenges. We are confident that by working together, we can minimise any disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl and ensure the continued success and growth of the tourism industry,” Bartlett noted.

The activation of the TEOC follows meetings convened by Minister Bartlett with with the Policy and Planning Group and other key members of the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) since Sunday, June 30

The meetings, which included Ministry of Tourism officials, chairmen and executive directors of public bodies of the ministry, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other leading private sector tourism stakeholders, were aimed at ensuring the tourism sector is fully prepared to face the possible challenges posed by the hurricane.

“The entire TEOC team and all our tourism stakeholders remain committed to safeguarding our tourism sector and ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Beryl. This collaboration among key stakeholders is essential to our preparedness efforts,” Bartlett said.

At present, the TEOC is focusing on several preparedness activities, including:

1. Ensuring hotels, Airbnbs, and tourism attractions follow comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans.
2. Coordinating with local authorities to secure the safety and well-being of staff and tourists.
3. Establishing communication protocols to provide timely updates and guidance to all tourism sector entities.
4. Stocking emergency supplies and securing facilities to minimise potential damage.
5. Implementing evacuation plans where necessary and ensuring that emergency contact information is readily available.

“The TEOC team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. The team will also maintain contact with our tourism partners, including Airlines and Cruise lines. I urge all tourism stakeholders to remain vigilant and to follow all safety guidelines to ensure the protection of life and property,” Bartlett stated.