Jamaica receives US $2 billion boost from Spain for tourism expansion

Jamaica's tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett has revealed a significant Spanish investment exceeding US$2 billion.

This move is set to generate around 19,000 new jobs within the construction and tourism service sectors in Jamaica.

Minister Bartlett and his team have successfully concluded negotiations with three prominent Spanish hoteliers.

These hoteliers are currently in the advanced stages of obtaining development approval in Jamaica for groundbreaking events slated to take place this year.

The upcoming projects include the construction of luxury rooms in Lucea, Hanover by Grand Palladium, housing units for tourism workers, a Convention Centre, entertainment facilities, and golf courses, among other amenities.

Bartlett expressed, "This is indeed a testament to the confidence our Spanish hotel partners have in the destination.

As they continue to expand their businesses on the island, it will boost economic benefits for local communities and at the national level, translating to more jobs and an expanded array of offerings to meet the growing demand for Jamaica’s tourism."

For Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, led by Spain’s Pinero family, the development will include two new luxury hotels, cosmopolitan villas, a residential community, a fisherman village, a PGA golf course, private schools, entertainment facilities, dozens of swimming pools, and walking trails, providing employment opportunities for 12,500 workers.

Luxury brand Secrets Resorts plans to construct several hundred rooms in Richmond, St. Ann, employing 2000 individuals.

The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, which opened its doors in July 2008, initially invested $220 million and featured 1,054 rooms across two properties.

The luxury Secrets Resorts and Spas hotel chain began operations in 2010 with its 700 side-by-side Secrets Wild Orchid and Secret St. James brands in Montego Bay.

This announcement follows Minister Bartlett's leadership of a small delegation of Tourism officials at FITUR 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

FITUR is one of the largest gatherings of tourism professionals globally, featuring 8,000 exhibitors, representatives from 130 countries, and over 300,000 attendees.