By Vernon Daley, Staff ReporterDEVELOPMENT MINISTER, Dr. Paul Robertson, yesterday announced that two Spanish resorts are finalising arrangements to start the construction of two large hotels in the island.
The hotels are expected to add between 2,400 and 3,600 rooms to the existing stock and bring in some US$300 million in investments. The projected number of employees for the hotels will also match the number of rooms.
Opening the 2003 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, the Minister said the projects have been in the pipeline for several years, but were now close to getting off the ground.
"As we speak, another Spanish chain is at an advanced stage for land acquisition. A third Spanish chain is also pursuing the necessary approvals from its Board of Directors, for site selection," the Minister told the House.
Dr. Robertson's announcement follows news last month that the Pinero Group of Spain would purchase Tankweld's 200-acre Pear Tree Bay property in Runaway Bay, St. Ann in a US$100 million deal that will initially see the construction of 1,200 hotel rooms.
The Development Minister gave no details about the companies, or where they are looking to site the hotels. However, he said the properties are likely to fall within the European all-inclusive concept, which utilises a cluster approach, grouping three hotels on one site.
Each hotel is projected to cost an average of US$50 million and range between 400 to 600 rooms.
"Not even the sceptics can still doubt that real projects are coming out of the pipeline," the Minister quipped.
The 2002/2003 JAMPRO report, which was tabled in the House yesterday, said the promotions agency has pursued the Spanish hotel chains because of their ability to sell the destination where their properties are located.
"JAMPRO is of the belief that the addition of these facilities and attractions to Jamaica's tourism product will grow European visitor numbers as begun with Riu, and will significantly enhance the country's credibility among other European chains, tour operators and attraction developers," the report said.
