Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has announced Spanish investments of over US$2 billion that is expected to create approximately 19,000 new jobs in construction and tourism services.

The announcement was made on the heels of Jamaica’s successful participation in FITUR in Madrid, where Bartlett led a delegation of tourism officials. FITUR 2024 is a major tourism fair 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.

Bartlett and his team concluded negotiations with three major Spanish hoteliers, who are now in the advance stages of development approval in Jamaica for groundbreaking this year. The project will see an expansion of Grand Palladium in Hanover, as well as housing units for tourism workers; a convention centre; entertainment facilities; and golf courses, among other amenities.

“This is, indeed, a testament to the confidence our Spanish hotel partners have in the destination. As they continue to grow their businesses on the island, it will increase the economic benefits for the communities and at the national level. It simply means more jobs and more product offerings to fill the increased demand for Jamaica’s tourism,” said Bartlett.

The Pinero Group, which owns Bahia Principe, has announced a multimillion-dollar expansion of its hotel on the island, which is already the largest in Jamaica. The expansion will see the addition of two new
luxury hotels and cosmopolitan villas with a residential community; fisherman’s village; PGA golf
course; private schools and entertainment; dozens of swimming pools; and walking trails. This development will employ 12,500 workers.

Luxury brand Secrets Resorts will construct several hundred new rooms in Richmond, St Ann, employing 2,000 persons.

“I am also pleased that these new expansion projects have Environmentally Sustainable Governance principles and a social development focus. Activities like farming and more community inclusivity will ensure a more sustainable approach to increasing their footprints and have social initiatives that will benefit our tourism workers,” Bartlett added.