Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, recently announced at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Marketplace conference that Jamaica’s room count will see a substantial increase in the coming years. Bartlett mentioned that there are plans to add 2,000 rooms this year alone and a whopping 20,000 rooms within the next five to ten years. These expansions are expected to materialize through various new projects in or near Montego Bay.
A significant portion of the room count increase will take place along a 6.5-mile stretch known as the Rose Hall Corridor. This area, located between the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and the Holiday Inn Montego Bay, is set to become home to nearly 10,000 rooms according to Bartlett. The corridor is positioned to become the most luxurious and prestigious in St. James parish, offering visitors exquisite accommodation options.
New Openings and Developments
Several properties have already opened their doors, such as the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters and the Riu Palace Aquarelle. Additionally, upcoming projects like the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort, the Unico Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and the Planet Hollywood Royalton are set to add a sizeable number of rooms to Jamaica’s hospitality sector. These developments aim to cater to the growing demand for luxury accommodations in the region.
To support the influx of tourists and meet the needs of the growing hospitality industry, there are plans for infrastructure enhancements. The construction of a Montego Bay perimeter road is currently underway and is expected to be completed by May 2026. This vital project will improve connectivity and accessibility for both visitors and locals in the area.
The tourism growth in Jamaica is not limited to Montego Bay. Regions like Trelawny, St. Ann, and Negril are also witnessing significant developments. Bahia Principe has a billion-dollar project underway in St. Ann Parish, while new Sandals projects in Port Antonio and Negril, a planned Moon Palace, and the Viva Wyndham near Negril are set to add more rooms to Jamaica’s accommodation offerings.
In addition to new builds, existing properties are also undergoing expansions and renovations. The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa is planning to add 900 rooms and a conference center to its current inventory. The Holiday Inn Montego Bay, recently acquired by Catalonia Resorts and Hotels, will add 250 units and transition to a Catalonia property. This move signifies the brand’s entry into the Jamaican market.
It’s worth noting that in conjunction with the tourism developments, the Jamaican government plans to construct 4,000 houses in the St. James area primarily for use by hospitality workers. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing options for those employed in the tourism sector, ensuring the sustainability of the industry’s workforce.
Jamaica’s tourism sector is experiencing rapid growth and expansion, with numerous new projects and developments in the pipeline. The country’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, alongside the focus on providing luxury accommodations and support for hospitality workers, sets the stage for a thriving tourism industry in Jamaica.