![]() ![]() "The scramble is on to rebuild for the winter high season," according to the New York Times. Wimco does not expect any villas to be open on the luxe islands until 2018. Sharon Flax-Brutus, BVI director of tourism, told the New York Times in a September 22 statement that many homes lacked roofs, and electricity and cell service were cut off. British Virgin IslandsĬommercial flights have resumed to Virgin Gorda, but Irma devastated much of the BVI. While the West Indies Management Company (Wimco), which deals with luxury real estate, lists a smattering of hotels and restaurants open for business, one travel expert, who asked to not be named, told Condé Nast Traveler that along with Puerto Rico, the USVI and BVI were "just in a standstill" and, during recuperation, she was directing clients to other islands through the end of 2017. territory has a ways to go.Ī FEMA daily report from October 4 lists 90 percent of roads as cleared, and 29.2 percent of cell service restored. Thomas, reopened to commercial flights on September 28, and Rohlsen Airport Terminal on St. Kitts was relatively untouched by the storms, and most hotels are in good shape. Kitts Tourism Authority, said in a release on Travel Agent Central. "We are open and welcoming visitors," Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. State Department also issued a travel warning since Irma hit Cuba, following a mysterious attack on American diplomats in Cuba, though tour operators insist visitors are safe. Still, many parts of the island are without power and running water. Royal Caribbean also announced Havana's cruise port was open, including for Empress of the Seas' call in early October. The island's main airport re-opened on September 12 and reports full service this week with very low delays. Major travel points, including José Martí International Airport, weren't as affected and were prioritized in recovery efforts. While Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, neighboring Cuba felt the brunt of Irma, which wrecked parts of the communist nation's already decrepit infrastructure. And if they're not quite yet, they plan to be soon.Ī number of Caribbean hospitality businesses have been tracking the progress of affected islands, providing regular updates on the conditions of airports, hotels, utilities, and facilities. Several islands still have work to do, but most would tell you: They're open for business. For other Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the story is more hopeful. The crisis won't be over for high season. territory remains without electricity, and 53 percent lack access to potable water. Make no mistake: Puerto Rico is in the middle of a humanitarian crisis. ![]()
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