The violence that erupted last week in Jamaica has calmed down and the situation is returning to normal, but some tour operators are offering clients the opportunity of changing their holiday plans.

The Foreign Office said that visitors should still be cautious and avoid the downtown areas of Kingston. 'The violence, including demonstrations and road blocks in Kingston, could flare up again at short notice,' its travel advice unit warned.

Trouble broke out in Kingston a week ago when police entered a gangland stronghold to search for guns. The Jamaican army was ordered on to the streets and in the ensuing battles 25 people were killed.

Although the Jamaican resorts of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay in the north of the island are far away from the troubled areas, roadblocks were put up nearby for a short period. While large operators such as Thomson said they were not offering alternative travel arrangements, specialist operator, Caribtours, said it was still giving clients the option to switch holiday destinations. Managing director Catherine Leech said: 'I see absolutely no reason not to travel, but the last thing I want is for anyone to go on holiday feeling anxious.'

Kuoni is suspending its excursions to Kingston, where holidaymakers go to shop in local markets. It had earlier offered clients booked at nearby Port Antonio alternative holidays or a refund, but is now continuing with the programme. Tour operators said that, in general, clients were keen to keep their holiday plans unchanged. Caribbean Connections reported that it had contacted holidaymakers due to travel up to 1 August and none wanted to change their plans.

Among those going ahead with a visit to the Caribbean island are Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, who have a ministerial visit planned there for later this month.

About 135,000 Britons visited Jamaica in 2000, up by 8 per cent on the previous year's figures.