Two travel agencies have launched efforts to support Jamaica, which is recovering from Hurricane Melissa's devastating blow last Oct. 28.
Fort Lauderdale-based Travelmation (No. 56 on Travel Weekly's Power List) has created a campaign, Think Jamaica, to emphasize the destination.
The effort includes multiple fam trips for advisors to visit Jamaica, Travelmation said. In addition, its philanthropy team, Travelmation Gives Back, is fundraising for the Sandals Foundation.
"Although some resorts were forced to close for repairs, many have reopened quickly," Travelmation president and founder Adam Duckworth said. "We want to remind clients that Jamaica is open for tourists, and Travelmation will continue to support the Caribbean island until they are fully back on their feet."
Fox World Travel in Oshkosh, Wisc., (No. 32 on the Power List) will donate money to the Jamaican government's Support Jamaica -- Official Disaster Relief & Recovery Portal.
The agency is also working with local tourism partners and the Jamaica Tourism Board to support the communities hit hardest by the hurricane. That will ensure funds are going directly to the people and businesses most affected, Fox said.
"Jamaica has always been more than a destination; it's a community that has welcomed travelers with open arms. Now it's our turn to give back," said Audra Mead, Fox's chief culture officer. "In times like these, it's important to stand together and support the communities that have given so much to our industry and to travelers around the world."