One hundred travel consultants. More than $13,000 in contributions. Countless boxes tightly packed with educational supplies, new socks, toothpaste, pet food, and various essential daily necessities that we frequently overlook here in the U.S. and Canada — supplies that the residents of Jamaica urgently require after facing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa last October.
The influence of the ALG Vacations Come Back to Give Back Jamaica Voluntourism FAM was both immediate and clear. Travel consultants from across the U.S. journeyed to the Caribbean island for four days filled with volunteer activities, site visits, networking, and festivities, all in honor of the unwavering determination of the Jamaican populace.
Travel Market Report was invited to engage in the FAM, providing an opportunity to witness firsthand both the nation’s tourism recovery and the ongoing assistance needed and immensely valued.
Jamaica welcomed tourists again on December 15, 2025, mere weeks following the hurricane’s devastation in the region. Since then, the tiny island nation has greeted over 500,000 travelers, generating $750 million in tourism revenue.
The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, delivered an inspiring address on the opening night of the FAM, reminding attending travel consultants that while Melissa delivered a significant setback, his country is resilient and refuses to remain down:
“We Jamaicans may be small, but we are tallawah… small in stature, yet powerful. We are resilient. We are unconquerable. We possess a spirit that remains unbroken… We proclaimed that Melissa would not defeat our tourism… We will not only reclaim what was lost; [but] we will prosper, and we will achieve a V-shaped recovery in Jamaica’s tourism sector.”
While hotels and resorts may be operating as usual, there is still much work required. Houses need repairs on roofs. Pets require relocation. Families are in urgent need of food and hygiene products like toilet paper and diapers. The voluntourism initiative from ALGV was organized with this mission in mind; the travel consultants arrived with suitcases filled with gifts and dedicated hours to assist in recovery initiatives.
“You arrived as a formidable force of volunteerism to support the Jamaican community,” stated Bartlett.
Besides the event, ALGV is also welcoming monetary donations for Jamaica’s recovery. So far, travel advisors and their networks have amassed $13,000, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by ALGV’s commitment. These funds will be directed toward new playground installations, water heaters, construction materials, and additional necessities.
In a candid discussion with TMR, Jacki Marks, the global head of trade brands, shared her emotions about the compassion and support she observed from the travel advisor community for Jamaica.
“This [FAM] has taken my expectations to a higher level, and my expectations were already very high,” expressed Marks. “I never anticipated a single advisor would bring twelve suitcases; however, there were numerous advisors who brought eight, ten, twelve suitcases… [the advisors] provided everything we could ever envision and beyond. It was incredibly touching.”
Transforming Lives Through Voluntourism
The ALGV Jamaica voluntourism FAM not only changed the lives of Jamaican residents but also impacted the lives of the travel advisors who took part.
Meika Cole, identifying as a Jamerican and regular visitor, saw the ALGV FAM as a chance to assist a nation she cherishes. The owner of Travel N Bags has been visiting Jamaica consistently for six years, with her last trip occurring in July 2025, just a few months before Melissa’s arrival. This destination has been her top-selling location for the past five years.
Cole expressed to TMR that the ALGV experience had its ups and downs: she felt joy witnessing the country’s progress but was equally struck by the immense gratitude and resilience showcased by the Jamaican people.
“There was a genuine sense of appreciation and a heartfelt warm welcome,” remarked Cole.
Stephanee Hughson, founder of Plans in Paradise travel agency, was also inspired to join the Give Back FAM due to her connection with the nation.
“It was truly special to be part of something far greater than ourselves,” said Hughson. “My love for Jamaica has always been strong. It was the first destination I ever traveled to… when you see everyone unite, prioritizing community over competition, it’s something you feel deeply.”
Hannah Hofstetter, a previous school teacher who began her travel-selling journey a year ago with HH World Travel, found the ALGV’s Jamaica Give Back trip to be her inaugural FAM experience. She mentioned to TMR that her motivation to participate stemmed from her presence in Turks during Hurricane Melissa and her awareness of how devastating the storm was to the area.
Overall, she stated that the most significant takeaway from the trip was understanding how vital tourism is for the country. It not only generates much-needed revenue but also provides travelers the means to bring crucial — and greatly welcomed — items to contribute.
“I wish we could do this again, as it was clear how important the donations were to them and how badly they needed them. I aspire to fill another six suitcases for the return,” said Hofstetter.
Colleen Otto, owner of Tropical Breeze Travel agency based in Florida, shared that the FAM provided a distinctive experience, commenting to TMR that she arrived with minimal connections and departed with formed valuable relationships.
“You always acquire some knowledge from any FAM excursion, but realizing that you can assist others elevates your spirit,” stated Otto.
Ways Travel Advisors Can Continue Supporting Jamaica
The trip also had another purpose: to remind the travel industry that Jamaica remains resilient. The FAM included 13 visits to resorts in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. These properties were not only fully operational but were also well-maintained, with some reporting over 90% occupancy during the visit.
Marks shared with TMR that there is an increasing necessity for travel advisors to continue promoting Jamaica as a destination now more than ever.
“We need to stand by those who support us,” mentioned Marks. “If we fail to visit these destinations and assist them in their time of need, they won’t be present when our clients require their services. Thus, beyond simply being the right action to take, it is crucial for the functioning of our travel ecosystem.”
Over 1,300 travel advisors showed interest in the ALGV Jamaica Voluntourism FAM, and the Facebook live event conducted on-site garnered over 6,000 attendees within the first 48 hours. Clearly, the travel advisor community is eager to contribute, and Marks affirmed that ALGV aims to facilitate that desire.
“The enthusiastic reaction from the travel advisor community indicated to me that we were pursuing something significant, which reassured me of the affection and backing from our advisors to create something remarkable,” stated Marks.
In addition to the donation link mentioned earlier, the tour operator is also offering independent FAM experiences for those advisors wishing to contribute to Jamaica’s restoration. These packages include discounted hotel stays and more, allowing advisors to book their itineraries directly through Amstar.
“If someone is genuinely interested in visiting a destination and hopes to view multiple hotels, we are providing discounts to encourage their arrival,” explained Marks.
Overall, the trip appeared to have made a lasting mark on Marks as well. The global head of trade brands has openly expressed how personal this mission resonates with her.
“Having spent 30 years in this industry, I have visited Jamaica more times than I can fathom or count. Every interaction I’ve had with the Jamaican populace has left a significant impact on me. The community within Jamaica represents a truly exceptional group of individuals.”
Fonte: Travel Market Report
