Ja embraces luxury tourism future with Pinnacle-Ennismore partnership
Published:Monday | April 14, 2025 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica’s tourism landscape is now entering a new era, as LCH Developments is partnering with global lifestyle hospitality group Ennismore, which is a part of the Accor Group, to launch the island’s first luxury branded residences.
The landmark signing, which took place on Thursday, April 10, at the Pinnacle headquarters at Harbour City Mall, in downtown Montego Bay, marks a pivotal shift toward high-end, lifestyle-driven tourism and real estate in western Jamaica.
“This is a very special day for the development of tourism in Jamaica, and the branding of lifestyle tourism in western Jamaica in particular,” said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. “We are at an inflection point, moving toward a tourism model that delivers higher quality, higher salaries, and stronger returns on investment.”
“Bartlett underscored that Jamaica’s all-inclusive model served the country well during its growth phase, but now that the island has achieved critical mass, with three million stopover arrivals in 2023, equal to the population, it’s time to transition into a more value-driven model that elevates both the visitor experience and worker remuneration.
“Luxury tourism offers lower density, higher per-room service levels, and most importantly, better pay for our workers,” said Bartlett. “We are building an ecosystem around the labour market that promotes higher productivity and deeper commitment through training, housing, and long-term benefits like pensions.”
The Pinnacle, he said, represents the first major step in repositioning Jamaica as a premium lifestyle destination, a return to its earlier legacy as a playground for the world’s rich and famous, now underpinned by modern principles of inclusivity and sustainable development.
Jason Hsaing, Ennismore’s executive vice president of development, expressed excitement and gratitude at the opportunity to help shape Jamaica’s luxury narrative.
“We are humbled to be part of this visionary project,” said Hsaing. “This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing culturally rich, lifestyle-driven hospitality to new destinations while supporting local partners who align with our values. It’s also a major step forward in our expansion across the Americas.”
Jamaican excellence
Yangsen Li, CEO of The Pinnacle, said the development is not only about architectural beauty, but about creating opportunity, building community, and showcasing Jamaican excellence to the world.
“From day one, I said The Pinnacle is about creating jobs, setting new standards, and showing what’s possible here,” said Li. “This is more than a business milestone. It’s personal.”
With construction already advancing at a pace of three floors per month, The Pinnacle is designed to deliver five-star hotel service in a residential setting, offering luxury living with amenities such as rooftop pools, a lazy river, spa, pickleball courts, concierge service, a floating restaurant, and multiple transportation access points including a water taxi, floating helipad, and mini marina.
Tanya Golaub, CEO of LCH Developments, described the residences as redefining the meaning of luxury.
“Luxury is not just about what you possess, but how you live,” she said. “In effect, time is the ultimate luxury. This partnership with Ennismore allows us to deliver something increasingly rare, effortless living.”
The project is further supported by the Pinnacle Foundation, which will offer housing and educational programmes to support local communities and ensure that Jamaicans benefit directly from the opportunity the development brings. Workers will also receive training through international hospitality programmes to ensure they meet the highest global service standards.