Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, recently announced at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Marketplace tourism conference that the country is set to see a significant increase in its room count. Bartlett stated that Jamaica will witness an increase of 2,000 rooms this year and a staggering 20,000 rooms within the next five to ten years. This growth will largely be driven by new projects in or around Montego Bay, a popular tourist destination in Jamaica.
A significant portion of the room increase is expected to take place along a 6.5-mile stretch known as the Rose Hall Corridor, extending from the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach to the Holiday Inn Montego Bay. Minister Bartlett emphasized that this corridor will become one of the most luxurious and prestigious areas in St. James parish, with close to 10,000 rooms planned for development.
Numerous hotel openings and projects are already underway in Jamaica to accommodate the growing tourism demand. Recent additions include the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters and the Riu Palace Aquarelle, both offering hundreds of rooms for visitors. Additionally, properties like the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort, Unico Hotel 18*77* Hotel Montego Bay, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are slated to open in the coming years, collectively adding thousands of rooms to Jamaica’s accommodation offerings.
To support the influx of tourists and new accommodations, Jamaica has invested in infrastructure development projects. A multiphase construction of a Montego Bay perimeter road is currently underway, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the region. Additionally, luxury residential resorts like Pinnacle are breaking ground, offering upscale amenities to further enhance the tourism experience in Jamaica.
Apart from new hotel constructions, Jamaica is also focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings. Projects such as the Bahia Principe development in St. Ann Parish, the Viva Wyndham near Negril, and new Sandals projects in Port Antonio and Negril aim to provide a range of accommodation options to cater to different traveler preferences. Furthermore, the addition of a Moon Palace and expansions like the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa will further enrich Jamaica’s tourism landscape.
Sustainable Development and Housing
As Jamaica’s tourism industry expands, there is also a focus on sustainable development practices. Minister Bartlett mentioned that the Jamaican government plans to construct 4,000 houses in the St. James area, primarily for hospitality workers. This initiative reflects a commitment to providing quality living spaces for those working in the tourism sector and supporting the local community.
Jamaica’s tourism industry is on the verge of a significant transformation with the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms and accommodations. The country’s strategic focus on infrastructure development, diversification of offerings, and sustainable housing initiatives is poised to strengthen Jamaica’s position as a top tourist destination in the Caribbean. With new luxury resorts and upscale amenities on the horizon, Jamaica is set to offer an unparalleled travel experience for visitors from around the world.