Tourism in Jamaica is Changing, and Hyatt Hotels Will Be Major Players in the Market
With the groundbreaking of “The Pinnacle”, a 28 story luxury residential estate which is set to debut in Montego Bay in 2029, along with a bold proclamation from Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to build housing for hospitality workers living in substandard conditions through a partnership with the New Social Housing program and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, all eyes are on the island as the face of tourism in the Caribbean.
Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa. (Photo courtesy of Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa)In 2023, Jamaica boasted over 4.1 billion visitors as well as $4.3 billion in earnings, and according to the Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, the government’s goal is to boost the amount of annual visitors to over 5 million within the next few years. Tourism is Jamaica's top source of revenue, with the tourism industry earning over 50 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings and providing about one-fourth of all jobs in Jamaica.
In anticipation of this projected growth, Hyatt Hotels intend to be major players in attracting travelers to the island. In 2022 they acquired “Secrets”, a luxury, all inclusive, adult only brand that includes Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Secrets St James Montego Bay, making it Hyatt’s 10th addition to their all inclusive collection of properties. This year they’re investing $15 million USD into big upgrades at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Secrets St James Montego Bay, including remodeling their lobbies and Preferred Club lounges, as well as remodeling their Convention Center, which includes all meeting and breakout rooms. They’re also planning to upgrade all themed restaurants as well as the main buffet restaurant in the first quarter of 2025.
In January of this year I had an opportunity to visit Jamaica and stay at one of Hyatt's Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa, which is also part of their Inclusive Collection resort branding. The moment I stepped through the doors of Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa, a glass of purple champagne, a welcoming smile from the person at the front desk, and polite concierge staff greeted me. My “butlers” Raynard and Nicola, took me up to my suite where a bottle of champagne, fresh fruit and crackers and a fridge stocked with a variety of beverages awaited me. They also patiently explained the high tech, but easy to use touch system that controls the various lights, electronics and window shades.
After freshening up in the glass-encased marble shower, I took in the panoramic view from my fifth-floor room overlooking the pool and entertainment area, and beyond that, a breathtaking visage of the bay and mountains. My stay was short but sweet, including an amazing lunch at the rooftop restaurant and bar, “Altitude”, which features an even more beautiful view of the bay and mountains than my room’s balcony provided. The property also features an array of entertainment including glow foam parties, live performances from singers and instrumentalists, all white parties and live dj’s on the weekends after dark that turns the lobby into a nightclub.
Hyatt’s all inclusive collection stretches beyond Jamaica, with the 10 brands under their umbrella spanning multiple countries and islands including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Spain, Columbia, and Greece among other beautiful destinations. They also have family friendly brands like Hyatt Ziva, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas that makes it easy for families to create unforgettable memories through effortless on-site activities, delicious culinary offerings, and service designed to cater to multiple generations. Hyatt plans to add to their all inclusive roster this year with the opening of several new locations including Secrets Tides Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres and Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Dreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan in Mexico.
As Hyatt continues to execute exciting changes to their Secrets properties in Jamaica and provide a top of class luxury experience at Breathless, I look forward to experiencing how their all inclusive collection will play an important part in the island’s tourism potential.
