KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says over US$4 billion will be invested into developing a casino zone in the western city of Montego Bay.
Speaking at the 64th Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) on Friday, Bartlett said 2024 has already seen 2,000 new hotel rooms added, with another 4,000 planned.
“Later this month, we will break ground for the Moon Palace mega hotel, a 33-storey tower unlike anything Jamaica has seen,” Bartlett said. “Next to it will be the Hard Rock Hotel. This area will become Jamaica’s casino zone, without question.” He described the ongoing development as “unprecedented,” with several groundbreakings and project announcements expected in July.
The tourism minister also made clear that tourism growth will not leave workers behind.
He added that the government is addressing housing needs with the development of 3000 new homes.
“We cannot build a world-class tourism industry without first ensuring that our workers are treated with dignity,” he stated.
