Ground is expected to be broken this year for Spanish-led tourism resort projects valued at over US$2 billion or JM$310 billion.

The projects are expected to create over 19,000 short-term and long-term jobs from development to opening.

The tourism ministry says some of the projects will include housing for employees and close collaboration with farmers and other local suppliers of goods and services.

This is part of enhancing sustainability, addressing major shortages, and integrating local input in as many areas as feasible.

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett says the developments represent a clear signal that Jamaica is in demand and has developed an attractive tourism product.

He explains that given this rapid rate of growth and development, a very solid approach is being taken in tying housing, agriculture and firmer linkages in the provision of goods and services to the benefit of even more Jamaicans.

The Spanish-led projects cover major resort developments spanning Hanover and St. Ann.

Details of the planned projects were shared with Mr. Bartlett and other senior tourism officials in Madrid, Spain, recently by owners of the respective companies, who form part of Spanish Hotel Association Inverotel.  

Labour, tourism worker training, roads, airport flow and infrastructure, building permit and related bureaucratic issues, linkages – specifically shortage of goods, including agricultural produce, dominated the discussions with the Spanish Hotel stakeholders.