Florida Keys is well on the way recovering from the impact of Hurricane Irma, with more than 70% of its visitor accommodation now back open for business.
Tourist chiefs in the destination, popular with British holidaymakers, report big strides have been made to reopen rooms in Key West, where more than 90% of the inventory is available, and Key Largo, where 80% of the room stock is open for booking.
“We are thankful that so much of our island destination is open and welcoming visitors after Irma,” said Stacey Mitchell, Director of Marketing for the Florida Keys Tourist Development Council. “Our basic infrastructure is operating normally, including the famed Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
“We still have a little way to go in some areas, but progress has been very quick and recent visitors have been delighted that Irma has not prevented them from enjoying satisfying, memorable travel experiences in the Keys,” she added.
The recovery More than 70 per cent of the total visitor accommodation inventory in the Florida Keys is now open and available for booking as the destination continues its recovery from Hurricane Irma.
Less than 10 weeks after the ferocious tropical storm, the majority of attractions in the region are operating normally. However, a number of Atlantic oceanside properties in the Islamorada, Marathon and Lower Keys districts, including some resorts popular with international visitors, are continuing with their renovation efforts. Most are scheduled to reopen in early 2018.
Some may be ready earlier, including Islamorada’s 110-room Amara Cay Resort which is taking bookings for mid-December and onwards.
Most bayside properties in Marathon and Islamorada, including Hyatt Place at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club in Marathon, have been open for weeks. Others in the region, including Hawks Cay Resort, will not fully be ready for another six to 12 months, depending on the extent of renovations.