Sandals considering EP hotel investment
Published:Friday | April 2, 2021 | 6:41 AM
Sandals Resorts International is considering developing a boutique hotel, possibly on the north-eastern side of Jamaica, which incorporates Portland and St Mary.
The hotel would be operated as a European Plan or EP property, which, in concept, offers lodgings or accommodations, but not meals.
Sandals Resorts’ speciality is the all-inclusive package, which covers food, hotel rooms and activities.
“Being the largest all-inclusive hotel in the country and Caribbean, I can say that there is a ripe opportunity for non-all-inclusive hotels,” said Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart at the weekly Mayberry Investor Forum on Wednesday.
“Jamaica needs more EP hotels. I myself will be looking in that direction to balance out our portfolio in Jamaica,” he said, in response to a query on the best area to invest in the tourism recovery.
Because of the limited offerings on-property at EP hotels, their guests often end up exploring the towns for restaurants and entertainment, and in so doing, usually experience the food and culture. All-inclusive hotels, which provide an array of stimulation, often see guests remaining mostly on property throughout their vacations.
“Some of what we are looking at with the minister of tourism is the north-eastern side of the island; looking at entering into, not a five-star hotel, but a price visitors are easily willing to pay … because they are looking for that exotic [experience],” said Stewart.
“There is a huge opportunity for boutique hotels in hospitality in Jamaica. They would be well-run villa communities. They do not have to be all super premium, but you definitely want super premium,” he said.