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Bartlett signs agreements in Spain for US$2.2b in tourism investment
Published:Monday | January 29, 2024 | 12:05 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has signed agreements with three Spanish investors amounting to some US$2.2 billion for the development of three tourism projects in Jamaica.
The signings took place in Madrid, Spain, where the minister and his team put the finishing touches on the agreements.
Under the agreements, a 1,000-room luxury hotel will be constructed in Lucea, Hanover, by Grand Palladium; as will be a 1,000-room facility in Runaway Bay, St Ann, by Bahia Principe; and a 700-room property in Richmond, St Ann, developed by Secrets Resorts.
Under the Grand Palladium project, apart from the 1,000 luxury rooms, 600 housing units for hotel workers will be constructed. A convention centre, entertainment facilities and a golf course will also be built.
Under the Runnaway Bay project, apart from the 1,000 new rooms, a fisherman’s village is to be developed, as well as a PGA golf course, schools and entertainment facilities.
Under the Richmond, St Ann project, Secrets Resorts will construct 700 rooms, employing some 2,000 persons.
Bartlett said that overall, total investment will amount to US$2.2 billion and create some 20,000 new jobs in construction and tourism services.
The minister said ground breaking for all three projects will take place in the first half of this year as development is well advanced.
The minister met with the Spanish investors at the Grand Melia Palacio De Los Duques in Madrid to finalise the agreements.