Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced that more than US$4 billion in new investments are set to transform Rose Hall into Jamaica’s official casino zone.
Speaking at the 64th Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) on Friday, Bartlett highlighted that 2024 has already seen 2,000 new hotel rooms added, with plans for an additional 4,000 rooms along the Rose Hall strip.
“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 current development phase as “unprecedented,” with several other project announcements and groundbreakings expected in July. Major expansions are planned for properties including Bahia Principe, Viva Wyndham Negril, and Grand Palladium, with construction on the latter slated to begin by year-end.
Bartlett emphasized that the rapid tourism growth will be inclusive, ensuring that workers benefit. To address housing needs, the government is developing 3,000 new homes in Barrett Hall and Rhyne Park (formerly Rangeland), dedicated to tourism employees.
“We cannot build a world-class tourism industry without first ensuring that our workers are treated with dignity,” he stated.
The strategic expansion aligns with Jamaica’s broader vision to position the island as a premier luxury destination while promoting sustainable development and uplifting the tourism workforce.