The Jewel Lagoon Water Park in Runaway Bay which was officially opened last month has already been reaping great benefits for the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort.

The hotel which adjoins the water park is already fully booked for December 2015 to January 2016 and has had increase occupancy since the park’s soft opening just over three months ago. Within three months of operation more than 45, 000 people have already visited the attraction which caters to all age groups.

Speaking at the official opening, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica Richard Byles said the overall experience in tourism has been very good.

“We are satisfied with it,” Byles said, noting that the park has added to the attraction of the hotel.

Since the opening of Jewel Dunn’s River Hotel in 2010, the Jewel brand has grown significantly with the acquiring of three properties, the latest being that of Hilton Montego Bay.

Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill in his address at the opening ceremony said Sagicor has been a good partner in tourism.

“The success of any tourism sector depends on individuals doing well,” he said.

The tourism minister said Jamaica is performing well because of the work being done by the individual members of the tourism sector.

Dr McNeill also commended Sagicor for putting two of the property under the Curio brand as this, he said, is a positive move for Jamaica.