Construction has officially begun on the expansion of Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, as the hospitality chain under Grupo Empresas Matutes deepens its roots in Jamaica. 

The transformative project will add more than 948 new rooms and create an estimated 1,500 direct jobs and 2,600 to 5,700 indirect job opportunities. The expansion will strengthen the brand’s footprint in Jamaica, introducing the group’s TRS Hotels adults-only, luxury all-inclusive brand and the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts concept. 

Details of the expansion project were announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday (February 18), attended by Prime Minister  Andrew Holness, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica José María Fernández López and vice-president of Grupo Empresas Matutes and president of Palladium Hotel Group, Abel Matutes. 

“Jamaica holds a special place in the Palladium Hotel Group’s global portfolio, and we are confident in Jamaica’s continued tourism potential,” noted Matutes. “This development underscores our commitment to supporting Jamaica’s economic growth, providing sustainable employment opportunities, and enhancing the island’s global appeal as a premier tourist destination.” 

Several ministers of government and other high-level government officials, tourism and private sector stakeholders we also in attendance.

The expansion represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s tourism sector, with far-reaching economic benefits. Beyond the thousands of employment opportunities created during the construction phase, the expansion of the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts will create 1,500 direct jobs once operational and a further 2,000 indirect jobs across related industries, including transportation, agriculture, and local services.  The project also prioritises sustainability through energy-efficient designs, including architectural strategies to reduce heat, a building management system to optimise lighting and ventilation, and using renewable energy from photovoltaic panels and a hybrid trigeneration plant. Water conservation measures include low-flow fixtures, an intelligent water management system, a seawater desalination plant, and treated wastewater for irrigation.

During his keynote remarks, Holness noted, “This groundbreaking represents another significant investment in Jamaica and our growing tourism industry. I extend a warm welcome to the representatives from Grupo Empresas Matutes and the Palladium Hotel Group who have demonstrated unwavering confidence in Jamaica as a destination for investment. Today as we celebrate this momentous occasion we are not just breaking ground on a physical structure, we are laying the foundation for a future where tourism in Jamaica is more inclusive, sustainable and innovative than ever before.” 

Palladium Hotel Group has been a key player in Jamaica’s hospitality sector since opening the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa in 2008.

Located in Lucea, Hanover, these flagship properties have set the standard for all-inclusive luxury in the region. The group enhances its presence through an additional $20 million investment to upgrade the property, expand the amenities provided and implement sustainability features.

“One of the wonderful achievements we have made is to build out a policy framework that enables the kind of development that now ensues in tourism. When a development like this embraces the elements of sustainability and inclusiveness it tells us that the policy direction is sound and proper,” shared Minister Bartlett, who was also present to celebrate the milestone. “Tourism is about people and the Palladium Hotel Group’s expansion is about investing in people.”

As part of its expansion in Jamaica, Palladium Hotel Group will introduce TRS Hotels, a luxury adults-only, all-inclusive brand available in the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean and Europe and will bring sophisticated, modern experiences tailored for couples, newlyweds, and solo travellers.

This expansion project will also bring the club Family Selection at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, a VIP service that offers families exclusive amenities and personalised experiences, enhancing their stay with dedicated spaces and premium services, now available in Mexico and soon to open in the Dominican Republic.