The island chain began welcoming visitors back on October 1 after Irma struck last month, having previously passed through the Caribbean.

Andy Newman, communications director for the Florida Keys and Key West, told TTG the major tourism infrastructure, including Key West International airport and Key West Cruise Port Terminal, had restarted operations.

Newman said “close to 100%” of hotels in the destination now had electricity and the Overseas Highway – a 113-mile motorway through the Florida Keys – had sustained “minimal impact”.

Prior to the destination reopening, tourism officials advised visitors planning to travel to the Keys to call ahead to ensure their chosen hotels and attractions were open.

“The biggest message we have is that the Keys are open and we’re asking for visitors to come back as soon as they can – we are still here,” Newman said.

He said the destination would continue to update agents through its UK representatives and website.

Newman added it was “incredibly important” holidaymakers return to the region due to its reliance on tourism, with 50% of residents employed in the sector.

But he conceded that due to damage caused by Irma: “We’d be lying if we said everything was fine… but every day things are getting better.”

Newman also hit-out at “inaccurate” media reports when Irma hit. “Some painted the Keys as being devastated and that just wasn’t the case.”