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Fiesta Group Unveils $16.2 Billion Expansion Project

May 7, 2010

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Jamaica’s tourism landscape is to receive a further boost with the multi-billion dollar expansion of the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa in Point, Hanover.
The hotel, which was officially opened about three years ago, currently boasts some 1,054 rooms on two properties tagged the ‘Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort’ and the ‘Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa.’
The planned expansion will see 800 luxury suites being added to take the already sprawling resort to over 1,800 rooms. The project will cost about $16.2 billion (US$180 million) and is expected to provide temporary employment for some 2,000 Jamaicans during the construction period and permanent employment for approximately 1,200 persons on completion.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett addresses journalists during a press briefing at his New Kingston offices on May 5, to outline details of expansion works to be carried out at the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa in Point, Hanover. Others from left are: Chief Executive Officer of the Fiesta Hotel Group, Abel Matutes and Director General of the Fiesta Hotel Group, Jesus Sobrino.

Chief Executive Officer of the Fiesta Hotel Group, Mr. Abel Matutes, who gave details of the project at a press conference held yesterday (May 5) at the Ministry of Tourism in New Kingston, said the rooms to be added entail high-end Royal suites, which will have ocean view, with some boasting swim-up rooms, pools, private gardens, butler service; and presidential suites.
A 3,100 square feet convention centre will also be built to accommodate some 2,000 people.
Mr. Matutes informed that the construction period is about 20 to 24 months and work will begin in mid-summer or September, once the required approvals from the relevant authorities have been granted. “We will immediately start asking for all of the licences so I would say (construction will begin) as soon as we can,” he said.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, in welcoming the project, said it will contribute significantly to the economy of Lucea, and will be very important for the investment climate in Jamaica.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett informs members of the media of the planned expansion of the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa in Point, Hanover, during a press conference at the Ministry, in Kingston, on May 5. Others from left are: Director General in the Ministry, Carole Guntley and Director General of the Fiesta Hotel Group, Jesus Sobrino.

He said the decision by the Fiesta Group to go ahead with expansion plans at this time, was a very significant statement regarding the confidence that investors have in Jamaica as a destination and the Jamaican product.
“(It) is a huge statement of confidence in the destination and the economy of Jamaica. We are excited about this prospect and we think that the statement made by them today will enable several other investors, who are looking at Jamaica, to make the decision and in fact to move forward,” he said.
Mr. Bartlett stated that despite the economic slump, which the world is experiencing, Jamaica continues to be a destination of choice.
“I am always excited about increasing the number of rooms because that gives you an advantage. It says to the airlines in particular that there is capacity here, there are rooms to be filled and, therefore, our planes are going to be full too,” he pointed out.
Minister Bartlett, in the meantime, informed that he is expecting a set of investors to visit the island later this month to finalise talks on further investments in the tourism sector.
The Spanish-based Fiesta Hotel Group operates some 41 hotels worldwide.

Last Updated: August 16, 2013

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