Hurricane Melissaconsidered to be one of the most violent storms of the 2025 season, crossed the Caribbean causing major damage in its path, especially in Jamaica and Cuba earlier this week. Although downgraded to category 1 from category 5, the storm hit the south-east of the Bahamas archipelago Wednesday, causing widespread disruption for residents and travellers alike.
Faced with the threat, the Bahamian government and tourism industry mobilized as soon as the hurricane arrived, setting up safety measures and evacuation plans in the most exposed areas. Islands such as Nassau, Grand Bahama and Freeport were generally spared and still welcome tourists, thanks to the scattered nature of the archipelago, which comprises over 700 islands covering more than 259,000 km².
Emergency measures and impact vary from island to island
While the islands of the southeastern Bahamas suffered the most intense effects of Melissa, the Ministry of Tourism quickly issued vigilance and evacuation instructions for residents and visitors in vulnerable areas. Temporary shelters were set up, and the safety of residents and travelers remained the authorities' top priority.
At the same time, emergency teams and local officials maintained constant communication with hotels and resorts to guarantee safety measures and inform tourists. In the aftermath of the cyclone, the government would like to reiterate the importance of staying informed of official updates and following instructions in the event of a change in the situation.
What impact will this have on tourism?
Despite the heavy damage suffered in the affected areas, the resilience of the Bahamas and the responsiveness of the government mean that we can now look forward to a recovery. rapid recovery in tourism. Islands that were not affected, such as Nassau and Freeport, continued to welcome holidaymakers without significant interruption, demonstrating the sector's ability to adapt to the crisis.
The geographic decentralization of the archipelago has played a key role, allowing many tourists to continue their stay on the islands that were spared. The authorities and tourism professionals are already committed to rebuilding the affected areas, in order to restore as quickly as possible the standards of welcome and hospitality for which the country is renowned.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the cyclone season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. This season marks an intensification in the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, with peak activity generally observed between mid-August and mid-October.
Vigilance for travellers: flights and accommodation
For the next few weeks, travellers are advised to regularly check the flight schedules and the accommodation availability with airlines and hotels.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism communicates on the evolution of Hurricane Melissa. Alerts are published on their website, and by the Department of Meteorology. Tourists and residents of each island are thus warned in real time about expected rainfall. A recent alert was published on Wednesday October 29. You are also advised to consult the Consulate General of your home country.
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