New and updated hotels coming to Montego Bay via Travel Weekly
Montego Bay, Jamaica, is set to welcome new hotels, as well as the refurbishments of several of the key players, as the destination looks to attract new markets and stay relevant for its repeat visitors.
At Japex 2018 last week, members of the tourism board and hotel association discussed the developments to the hotel landscape across the tourist destination. According to Omar Robinson, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Montego Bay has the largest number of hotel rooms across all price points in the country.
As part of the industry event, a breakfast was held at the year-old Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa, which is managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts. Playa is one of the biggest players in the Jamaica hotel scene these days, especially following the recent announcement that Playa and Hilton will be expanding their alliance in Mexico and the Caribbean.
"We keep finding new ways to expand," said Kevin Froemming, Playa's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Jamaica, he said, "is a country we're totally committed to. It has everything we need."
Under the partnership with Hilton, Playa will maintain the Hilton Rose Hall as a Hilton hotel, which is set to undergo extensive renovations. Playa also has plans to open a Panama Jack resort by 2020. As to whether it will be a newbuild or a converted property, Froemming said Playa have plenty of options, as it has additional sites on which to build but is also actively looking for additional property acquisitions.
Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are also planning renovations, according Robinson. Half Moon is currently undergoing a $75 million renovation, as well.
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