ST JAMES, Jamaica – Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr Wykeham McNeill, has welcomed ‘Curio – A Collection by Hilton’ to the growing list of top brands that have taken a keen interest in Jamaica as the top tourist destination in the Caribbean.

According to a release from the Ministry of Tourism, Sagicor’s Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa in Runaway Bay and Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios have become two of the latest Curio properties, and the first in the Caribbean, to join the newest of Hilton’s world-class global brand. 

Signing of the agreement was announced Tuesday at a joint press conference by McNeill, Sagicor President and CEO Richard Byles and global head of Curio, Dianna Vaughan, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The deal also received the endorsement of Senior Vice President for the Caribbean of Ambridge Hospitality, Rich Cortesse.  Ambridge is the management company for the Jewels resorts, the release noted.

Congratulating the Sagicor team, McNeill said: “Over the last four years what Sagicor has done is phenomenal. Sagicor Group has not just talked the talk, they have walked the walk; they have put their money where their mouth is; they have invested in Jamaica and in tourism. That investment has paid off for them and they have reinvested.”

He added: “These are the things that are going to bring growth to the tourism sector and growth to the economy.”

Byles disclosed that since launching out with Jewel Dunn’s River four years ago, Sagicor has invested over US$140 million in three more properties, growing the brand’s room count to 1300.

“Alongside that growth has come good occupancies, improving rates, and an excellent track record of customer service,” he added.

He said the listing of Sagicor X Fund on the stock exchange a few months ago to give Jamaicans the opportunity to invest in the tourism business “has been a big success for us.”

According to Byles, “it says a lot for Jamaica and for tourism that the Hilton wants to stay in this country and indeed, wants to deepen its relationship with the country through its Curio brand. It must mean that we are doing something good with the country and with tourism in particular. We too are very bullish on Jamaica and on tourism and we will continue to invest.”