The world watched, glued to screens as Hurricane Irma pounded the Caribbean and southeast states September 2017. The category five hurricane destroyed infrastructure, caused flash floods and killed at least 49 people. Millions have been evacuated, many left homeless or without power.
The following islands suffered the most severe damage. All information as at September 17, 2017.
Anguilla
The tourist board said major resorts on Anguilla had withstood the onslaught. The airport and two ports remain closed.
Barbuda
One of the first islands to feel the brutal force of Hurricane Irma, roughly 90% of buildings were destroyed and almost all of the island’s residents have evacuated to nearby Antigua.
British Virgin Islands
Extensive damage – travel is not recommended
St. Barts and St. Maarten/St. Martin
Both islands have experienced significant damage – travel is not recommended. St. Martin is reported to be 95% destroyed.
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas and St. John were hit hard, but nearby St. Croix was spared any major damage.
The following destinations suffered significant storm damage, but tourism infrastructure emerged in relatively good shape. Most resorts are reporting minor damage and are open and accepting guests.
Antigua
Minimal impact, open for business.
Bahamas
Tourism services have been resumed, with only minor cosmetic repairs needed to tourism infrastructure.
Cuba
Damage has been minimal, and tourism activities have returned to normal in most areas. Cuban island Cayo Coco faced more extensive damage, and travel is not recommended.
Dominican Republic
The majority of resorts in the Dominican Republic are fully operational.
Florida
A number of popular family-friendly Florida attractions are in relatively good shape. Walt Disney World’s theme parks (with the exception of the water parks) have reopened. Universal Orlando Resort reported relatively minor damage and has also reopened. Travel to the Florida Keys region is not recommended.
Guadeloupe
Damage was limited, and tourism has returned to normal.
Martinique
Damage has been minimal, and tourism activities have returned to normal.
Nevis
Damage has been minimal, and tourism activities have returned to normal.
Puerto Rico
Though PR sustained significant damage, much of the tourism infrastructure is operational and the island is continuing to welcome visitors.
St. Kitts
While there was significant damage, the airport and most reports are operational.
Turks & Caicos
Damage has been minimal, and tourism activities have returned to normal.
These islands were not in Irma’s direct path and did not sustain any damage.
Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Tobago.
If you have a trip booked to one of the areas faced with closures and major repairs, reach out to your travel agent, tour operator or resort to discuss alternative arrangements. The unpredictable nature of hurricanes means that some areas can be reduced to rubble while neighbouring communities escaped unscathed, and need the influx of tourism dollars now more than ever.