THE newly refurbished Braco Resort, now Meliá Braco Village Resort in Rio Bueno Trelawny, opened its doors to the first overseas guests on Christmas Day.

The party of 12 from the United States of America was met on arrival at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, by Minister of Labour and Social Security Dr Fenton Ferguson, who also personally welcomed them to the 232-room resort.

A total of 35 local and overseas guests will arrive at the hotel over the Christmas weekend, with six individuals scheduled to arrive from France yesterday, Boxing Day, and seven from Canada today.

The 84-acre property, owned by the National Insurance Fund — an agency of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and managed by Melia Hotel group under a 15-year lease agreement, underwent refurbishment of all the public areas including bars, restaurants, spa and reception areas. The total cost of refurbishment is US$23.5M.

The resort will be officially opened in January 2016.

The refurbished resort will add more activity to Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector which has seen gains all round in tourist arrivals and spend. Jamaica’s winter tourist season officially began on December 15, and tourism officials are expecting an improved performance in all sectors.