MANY of the 400 workers who will be made redundant when the Ritz-Carlton closes its Montego Bay hotel later this month could be rehired by the new management of the Rose Hall property, says Minister of Tourism Wykeham McNeill.

After 13 years in operation at the property, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announced on Wednesday that it will cease management of the 427-room Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall on May 31. The property will be taken over by Virginia-based Playa Hotels and Resorts.

Serious concerns have been expressed over the job losses stemming from the impending closure of the hotel, but McNeill told the Jamaica Observer on Friday that many of the affected workers are “likely” to be rehired when Playa reopens the property at a later date.

“While workers will be made redundant, we must bear in mind that many of them are likely to be rehired as they have acquired valuable work experience working for one of the most recognised hotel brands in the world, The Ritz-Carlton,” McNeill said.

McNeill noted that the hotel will be closed temporarily to facilitate a change in management and operations, but did not disclose when the resort is scheduled to reopen.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesman on Tourism Edmund Bartlett described the impending closure as a “body blow” to the sector, arguing that the Ritz-Carlton remained the only internationally acclaimed, high-end brand on the island. He also questioned whether the entity replacing the Ritz would be of equal stature.

But McNeill expressed optimism at the value proposition being brought by Playa, which owns 17 all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, which they operate under the Secrets, Dreams and Barcelo resort brands.

“There is no denying that the Ritz-Carlton brand has helped to boost our image as a destination and the previous operators have been good partners over the years, however, Playa Hotels and Resorts, which will now operate the facility also has a proven track record in tourism,” he said.

Furthermore, the tourism minister said, “Playa plans to upgrade the property operated by Ritz-Carlton, which will not only provide employment but enhance and transform the resort into an even more luxurious property.”

Against this background, he noted that the foundation of the tourism sector in Jamaica remains firm and the industry continues to grow.

“Investment prospects for the industry are very promising and several new investors have acquired existing properties, new brands have come on board, while other hotel chains are either planning to expand or will be constructing new properties,” he said.

To support his assessment, McNeill noted that the RIU Resorts has 250 upscale rooms under construction in Montego Bay and some “established brands” has taken over ownership of some local hotels, including the Blue Diamond Resorts taking over the Trelawny Beach Hotel; Melia Hotels taking over the Braco Village; Karisma Resorts taking over the Poinciana in Negril; and Sagicor taking over its third property to be operated under the Jewels flag.