Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett is bullish that the September opening of the Princess Grand and Princess Senses The Mangrove, the first phase of a planned 2,036-room hotel development in Green Island, Hanover, will significantly boost the island’s tourism offerings.

During a guided tour of the development on July 12, he tourism minister and other senior tourism officials received a progress update on construction and preparations for the 1,005-room resort and casino. Robert Cabrera Plana, owner of Princess Hotels and Resorts, and Managing Director Enrico Pezzoliled the tour

 The tour was guided “I am excited to welcome Princess Resorts to Jamaica’s product offering,” Minister Bartlett expressed, adding: “This significant investment will create substantial employment opportunities and further solidify Jamaica’s position as a premier tourist destination.”

Bartlett added that upon completion of the second phase, this project will become one of Jamaica’s largest resorts,

Construction is proceeding on schedule and is on track for a September opening, according to Cabrera, who stated confidently, “A hundred per cent, we will open in September.”

The resort is expected to create significant employment opportunities, with an initial workforce of 1,200 people growing to a peak of 1,500 employees. Minister Bartlett has expressed particular satisfaction with the employment opportunities generated by the project, especially during the construction phase.

Among the resort’s features will be six speciality restaurants, one featuring an all-Jamaican menu.