Jamaica and Philippines have joined the ranks of nations like Mozambique, Cuba, Haiti, Taiwan, Madagascar, and Vietnam, as devastating storms, severe cyclones, and the deadliest hurricanes have caused a massive tourism crisis.
The travel economy in these regions has been left in tatters, with tourism infrastructures shattered and economies struggling to rebuild. These storms, particularly the recent hurricanes and cyclones, have disrupted the vital flow of tourists, causing widespread damage to hotels, resorts, and airports. The tourism crisis is escalating, with many travelers now reconsidering their travel plans due to safety concerns.
With these natural disasters causing significant losses, the travel economy faces months, if not years, of recovery. In this update, we delve into the severe impacts on the tourism industry and the urgent steps these countries must take to revive their key economic sectors. Don't miss how these events are reshaping global tourism.
The year 2025 has seen some of the most devastating storms in recent history, with the North Atlantic, Western Pacific, and Southwest Indian Ocean all experiencing intense weather events. These extreme storms have not only left a trail of destruction but also significantly impacted the global travel and tourism industry. From massive flight disruptions to hotel damage and altered travel policies, the effects of these powerful hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are being felt worldwide. For travellers, industry professionals, and governments alike, understanding how these storms have reshaped the tourism landscape is crucial for planning and responding to the ongoing crisis.
The North Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 was marked by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 status. Countries in the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, bore the brunt of this storm. As the most intense hurricane of the season, Melissa caused widespread damage, leaving many airports temporarily closed, hotels flooded, and thousands of tourists stranded in evacuation zones.
In Jamaica, for instance, major tourist areas such as Montego Bay and Negril were submerged in floodwaters, while significant coastal erosion impacted beach resorts. This disaster directly affected the country's tourism infrastructure, with thousands of holidaymakers forced to either seek emergency flights home or find shelter in temporary accommodations. Although airports, like Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, managed to reopen after a few days, flight delays and cancellations continued for weeks due to the damage caused to surrounding transportation networks.
Similarly, in the Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destinations, Punta Cana's coastal resorts were severely damaged. The storm left tourists with limited access to certain areas and restricted entry to popular hotel chains. Cuba's tourism, which had been seeing a revival after previous crises, also took a massive hit, with many travel operators canceling their scheduled tours and package deals to the island.
The Bahamas, a region frequently impacted by hurricanes, again found its tourism economy severely crippled. The storm's effects rippled through the tourism sector, with many popular resorts having to shut down temporarily. The tourism recovery plan in the Bahamas was put into action immediately after the hurricane passed, focusing on rebuilding the damaged hotels and promoting special offers to draw tourists back to the region once the recovery was underway.
In the Western Pacific, Typhoon Kalmaegi became the deadliest storm of the year, leaving a trail of devastation in the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China. As one of the most powerful storms to hit the region, Kalmaegi's impact was felt not only in terms of casualties but also in how the tourism sector had to adjust to the aftermath.
The Philippines, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and islands, saw significant damage in key areas like Cebu, Boracay, and Manila. Localised flooding and landslides disrupted local infrastructure, including transport services and hotel operations. Although the country's airports remained operational after the storm passed, many flights were grounded due to damaged flight routes, leading to chaos at airports as passengers scrambled to book alternative routes.
Vietnam also saw heavy losses in its tourist hotspots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where buildings collapsed and vital roads were rendered impassable. Vietnamese authorities quickly issued evacuation orders for tourists in the most affected areas. Several resorts along the coast were damaged, with hotels, especially those near Ha Long Bay, struggling to maintain operations. With tourist arrivals sharply falling, local businesses dependent on eco-tourism and cultural tourism took an immediate hit.
As for Taiwan, the typhoon's impact was concentrated around coastal regions like Kaohsiung and Taipei, which are known for their attractions such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum. However, despite widespread flooding and power outages, Taiwan's tourism recovery was relatively quick compared to its neighbours, as the country had a comprehensive disaster management plan in place. Hotels were refurbished rapidly, and the country's travel policy focused on domestic tourism to bring the industry back on track.
In China, cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen experienced heavy rain and strong winds from the storm. While the most tourist-heavy areas did not suffer major destruction, transportation links were affected, particularly high-speed train services and flights in and out of southern China. The storm's immediate effects also included disrupted cruise operations, as many vessels were unable to dock due to dangerous sea conditions.
Moving to the Southwest Indian Ocean, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte in the early months of 2025, causing devastating damage to these island nations and coastal regions. Although these areas aren't as well-known in the global tourism market as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia, they are still significant contributors to eco-tourism and nature-based travel. The aftermath of Cyclone Dikeledi, however, posed substantial challenges to the tourism sector in these regions.
In Madagascar, the world-renowned biodiversity, including the island's unique wildlife and nature reserves, was directly impacted by the storm's violent winds and flooding. Popular tourist attractions like Avenue of the Baobabs and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park were left temporarily inaccessible, as roads and infrastructure were heavily damaged. The cyclone caused extensive flooding that affected Antananarivo, the capital, and surrounding areas, disrupting both local and international flight schedules. However, despite the destruction, Madagascar has worked quickly to rebuild key sites in an effort to revive tourism once the immediate danger passed.
Mozambique, a destination famous for its pristine beaches and Indian Ocean resorts, was also severely impacted by Cyclone Dikeledi. Beira, a popular coastal town and gateway for tourists heading to Gorongosa National Park, suffered considerable damage, including widespread destruction of hotel properties. Mozambique's government, alongside international aid organizations, quickly initiated a tourism recovery programme, focusing on restoring damaged resorts and offering discounts to attract visitors back to the region. Additionally, Mayotte, a smaller French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, saw its tourism industry come to a halt due to damaged infrastructure and communication systems, limiting its ability to host international travellers.
In the aftermath of these natural disasters, a noticeable shift in tourism preferences is occurring. While rebuilding efforts continue in affected regions, tourists are becoming increasingly cautious when choosing destinations impacted by recent storms. Travel insurance policies are becoming more critical than ever, as travellers seek assurances about cancellations or disruptions caused by weather-related events. Additionally, there has been an increase in demand for safe travel destinations as people opt for locations that have not been affected by the global storm surge.
One emerging trend is the rise of resilience tourism, where travellers are looking to support destinations that are actively engaged in rebuilding efforts and contributing to environmental sustainability. This trend has been particularly strong in Caribbean and Indian Ocean regions, where a strong eco-tourism ethos can help affected communities recover.
Airlines, too, have had to adapt, with many shifting flight routes and implementing weather-related policies that offer flexibility to passengers impacted by the storms. Airport disruptions, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa, have led to the implementation of better contingency plans for major airports, aiming to minimise disruptions.
2025 has proven to be one of the most devastating years for global tourism, marked by an extraordinary sequence of tropical cyclones that have battered tourism-dependent economies worldwide. From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and Southern Africa, these extreme weather events have left nations scrambling to recover. The immediate destruction of infrastructure and properties has been compounded by long-term economic impacts, particularly in countries where tourism is a key contributor to GDP and employment.
This report delves into the crisis facing several countries affected by major storms in 2025, examining the lasting consequences on the tourism economy, travel disruptions, and the urgent need for recovery in the wake of devastating hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones.
Late October 2025 saw the catastrophic arrival of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked havoc across the Western Caribbean, including Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. As one of the strongest storms on record, Melissa's aftermath has crippled the tourism industry in these nations, particularly in the key regions that rely heavily on foreign visitors.
In Jamaica, the storm caused unparalleled destruction, particularly in the western parishes of St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland -- the heart of Jamaica's tourism corridor. These areas, including the popular tourist hubs of Montego Bay and Negril, experienced widespread damage, with resorts, hotels, and local businesses either destroyed or severely damaged. Key infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, was rendered unusable, affecting transportation across the island.
Economic Impact: Jamaica's tourism sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the nation's GDP, is now facing one of its worst crises. Initial estimates indicate that the economic impact of Hurricane Melissa could account for as much as 28% to 32% of Jamaica's annual GDP. Short-term forecasts predict a decline of 8% to 13% in the country's overall economic output. Hotels and resorts that were damaged or completely destroyed are expected to take years to rebuild, and thousands of workers in the tourism industry are at risk of losing their jobs.
Tourism Fallout: Major international airports, including Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, were initially closed, delaying flights and stranding tourists. While Kingston's airport reopened quickly, many international tourists had their travel plans disrupted. The storm's timing in late October also meant the crucial winter season for bookings was lost, leaving the tourism industry facing months of recovery efforts. With high-season bookings now delayed, recovery of the local tourism economy will be slow and costly.
Cuba, hit by Hurricane Melissa as a Category 3 storm, has faced widespread destruction in the eastern provinces, where the storm caused significant damage to both infrastructure and tourism assets. The loss of power, telecommunication systems, and transportation networks hampered the ability of authorities to manage the situation, leading to immediate evacuations and closures of tourism hotspots. The country's state-run tourism industry, which remains highly regulated, is expected to take a long time to recover.
Tourism Fallout: Cuba's economic reliance on tourism, particularly in Havana and Varadero, will now be undermined for the foreseeable future. With damages estimated to be between $1.5 billion and $4 billion, the Cuban government faces a difficult task in rebuilding tourist infrastructure while also dealing with the broader economic impacts of the storm. State funds will likely be redirected from tourism expansion projects to disaster recovery, causing long-term stagnation in the country's tourism industry.
Although Hurricane Melissa did not make direct landfall in Haiti, the storm's heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding, leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Haiti, already dealing with fragile infrastructure and political instability, saw widespread damage from flooded rivers, which washed away roads and bridges.
Tourism Fallout: Haiti's tourism sector, which has long been in recovery mode after previous natural disasters, was essentially brought to a halt. The destruction of key infrastructure and the heightened humanitarian crisis have rendered travel to the country all but impossible. Local businesses, particularly those dependent on community-based tourism, are struggling to stay afloat. While international tourism to Haiti is relatively limited compared to other Caribbean nations, the sector's collapse exacerbates the nation's ongoing economic struggles.
The Western Pacific was also severely affected by Typhoon Kalmaegi and Typhoon Danas, both of which hit major tourism destinations in the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.
Typhoon Kalmaegi became the deadliest natural disaster in the Philippines in 2025, affecting both local populations and the tourism industry. The storm struck central provinces like Cebu, a major international and domestic tourism hub, and caused widespread flash flooding and landslides.
Tourism Fallout: The devastation in Cebu affected major tourist attractions and resorts, and the declaration of a national calamity immediately impacted visitor sentiment. Hotels and resorts suffered significant damage, and transportation services were halted due to the collapse of roads and power lines. The tourism sector, already reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, now faces prolonged recovery. Rebuilding efforts are expected to be slow, and many areas may not fully reopen to tourists for several years.
In Vietnam, Typhoon Kalmaegi caused severe flooding, especially in the Da Nang and Hoi An areas, which are popular with international visitors. The storm damaged critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, making access to these popular tourist destinations impossible.
Tourism Fallout: The impact on central Vietnam's coastal tourism market is significant. The damage to resorts and beaches in Hoi An and Da Nang has dealt a heavy blow to the country's burgeoning tourism industry. With traffic disruptions and the destruction of key infrastructure, international travellers have been discouraged from visiting the region. The Vietnamese government will need to invest heavily in climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure future stability for its tourism sector.
Typhoon Danas made a rare direct landfall on Taiwan in July 2025, causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of people and disrupting key travel routes. Taiwan, a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers, faced major disruptions to flights, rail services, and ferries.
Tourism Fallout: The damage caused by Typhoon Danas has impacted the tourism infrastructure, particularly in Taiwan's coastal regions, which are popular with international tourists. Despite the island's strong disaster preparedness systems, the closure of airports and ferry terminals led to travel chaos. Tourism to Taiwan is expected to take a hit as international visitors reconsider their travel plans due to the ongoing risks associated with typhoon season.
In Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, Cyclone Dikeledi made an early-season landfall, impacting nations like Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mayotte, which rely heavily on eco-tourism and coastal destinations.
Mozambique, with its pristine beaches and rich marine life, was devastated by Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025. Coastal resorts and tourism-dependent regions, including Beira and Gorongosa National Park, were severely affected by strong winds and storm surges.
Tourism Fallout: Mozambique's tourism sector, already fragile, was hit hard by the storm's destruction of infrastructure, including hotels and lodges. The damage to roads and the displacement of local populations further crippled tourism, and recovery will be slow, especially with the added burden of an ongoing cholera outbreak.
In Madagascar, known for its unique wildlife and eco-tourism offerings, Cyclone Dikeledi caused substantial damage to natural parks and vulnerable infrastructure. Regions like Analanjirofo and Sava, which are heavily dependent on nature-based tourism, were among the worst affected.
Tourism Fallout: The storm's impact on Madagascar's fragile tourism infrastructure has set back its eco-tourism efforts by years. With key nature reserves and parks inaccessible, the island faces a long recovery. Resources once allocated for tourism development are now being diverted to humanitarian relief efforts, meaning the focus on sustainable tourism will likely take a backseat for the foreseeable future.
As countries across the world reel from the effects of devastating cyclones, the tourism industry faces a dual challenge: immediate recovery and long-term resilience. In nations like Jamaica, the Philippines, and Mozambique, recovery efforts will require significant investment in rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including hotels, airports, and transport networks. However, beyond physical rebuilding, the psychological impact on tourists -- fear of future storms and uncertainty -- may cause long-lasting damage to the industry's reputation.
Moreover, these disasters highlight the growing vulnerability of the tourism sector to climate change. Countries that depend heavily on tourism must adapt to increasingly frequent and intense weather events. Building more resilient infrastructures, such as climate-resilient hotels and sustainable tourism practices, will be essential for safeguarding the future of global travel in these vulnerable regions.
The year 2025 has undoubtedly been a challenging one for global tourism, with powerful hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones wreaking havoc in key regions across the globe. While tourism recovery in the aftermath of these events is inevitable, it is clear that the storms have reshaped the way the industry approaches risk and resilience. For airlines, hotel chains, and travel operators, the immediate future will require flexibility, adaptability, and a strong focus on customer assurance. As the recovery process continues, resilient tourism will take on a new dimension, offering both travellers and affected regions an opportunity to rebuild better, stronger, and more sustainably.