Karisma Hotels & Resorts disclosed plans to construct Sugar Cane Jamaica-a $1 billion hotel, entertainment and retail project near Ocho Rios-during the grand opening ceremony of the Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica in Negril.
The project, which is scheduled to come online over the next 10 years, will feature 5,000 rooms in seven hotels, said Rafael Feliz, chairman and CEO of Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
"The permits have been submitted and development preparation is underway," Feliz said. Although complete details about the project were not available, Feliz indicated that it would include Nickelodeon and Margaritaville-branded properties.
"With the support of our partners - the government of Jamaica and the people of Jamaica - along with the presence of strong brand names such as Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Jamaica and Margaritaville All-Inclusive Resort Jamaica by Karisma, I have no doubt that Sugar Cane Jamaica will be the next landmark for luxury travel in the Caribbean," he said.
Karisma debuted its first Nickelodeon resort in the Dominican Republic during 2016 and has broken ground on a second Nickelodeon property in Mexico's Riviera Maya. It also recently forged a partnership with Margaritaville to create the first-ever all-inclusive Margaritaville resorts throughout the Caribbean.
"Although our partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts is relatively young, it has been a most fruitful one. We take great pride in knowing that Jamaica was Karisma's first expansion outside of Mexico," said Jamaica's minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, referring to the 2104 opening of an Azul property that adjoins Azul Beach Sensatori and with which it shares facilities.
"And now we anxiously await the $1 billion Sugar Cane mega-hotel development, which will bring new brands to Jamaica as well as thousands of new job opportunities."
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For his part, the country's prime minister, Andrew Holness noted that Jamaica has long been a leading destination on the international tourism front.
"This is why Karisma is adding a monumental investment in Jamaica," he said, adding that the country is expanding its training programs with the establishment of the School of Management. "We are ensuring Karisma that trained individuals will be available to meet their needs as development proceeds. We look forward to Karisma's building out in Jamaica and offering a unique experience for our visitors."
Combined, the newly opened Azul property and the adjoining resort that opened in 2014 feature 285 suites, 10 restaurants, nine bars and lounges, plus a spa. The properties are set on Negril's Seven Mile Beach.
In addition to the Azul brand and its partnerships with Nickelodeon and Margaritaville, Karisma's portfolio includes El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Generations Resorts and Allure Hotels.
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