Spain-based resort giant Pinero Group is moving full steam ahead with its planned expansion project in St Ann, which is expected to provide employment to more than 14,000 people in a direct boost to the Jamaican economy.

“This is a mega development that will increase Jamaica’s tourism offerings to attract more visitors to the island. It will be a great mixture of hotel rooms and Villas that will create over 14,000 short term and long-term jobs which will mean more economic and social benefits for the country and at the community level,” said Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Bartlett is leading a small delegation of tourism officials at FITUR 2024—one of the biggest tourism fairs with 8,000 exhibitors, 130 countries represented and over 300,000 attendees.

It represents one of the largest gatherings of tourism professionals globally and is the leading fair for Latin America’s receptive and issuing markets.

The group owns the Bahia Principe Jamaica Grand, which is the island’s largest hotel, with 1,350 rooms and this meeting follows an official presentation the group made to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other government officials in 2023.

Bartlett commended the Pinero Group for their commitment to Jamaica and commented that the expansion is the group’s continued commitment to the island.

“The expansion will be a game changer for Jamaica’s tourism and help us be prepared for the influx of visitors expected to the island. It also shows the confidence that our hotel partners have in the destination,” added the tourism minister.

He also spoke highly of the organisers of FITUR and what it means for the sector.

“FITUR 2024, organised by IFEMA MADRID, from all indications, has been growing in all dimensions, most notably in its international presence, with the official representation of 20 more countries than in 2023,” Bartlett noted.

“What we are seeing here is an electric atmosphere, which is pretty much in line with the organisers’ assessment that it reflects the growth experienced in recent months by the national and international tourism industry and lays the foundation for the consolidation of the sector during 2024,” he mused further.

The conference continues in Madrid until January 28.