MINISTER of Tourism Edmund Bartlett is reporting promising signs from recent discussions with top global executives from Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Piñero, owners of the Bahia Principe brand.

Bartlett, along with senior advisor and strategist in the tourism ministry Delano Seiveright and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) head Donovan White, met with the investors on the margins of the prestigious International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Spain, last week.

Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Encarna Piñero, global CEO of Grupo Piñero, led discussions from their respective sides.

The discussions focused on expanding investment in Jamaica’s tourism sector, including the development of more hotel rooms, job creation, and broader opportunities for Jamaicans.

Hyatt and Grupo Piñero reaffirmed their confidence in Jamaica’s tourism future, signalling plans for greater involvement in the island’s development.

According to Bartlett, the meeting was a significant step toward strengthening Jamaica’s position as a leading Caribbean destination.

“We are delighted by the commitment from Hyatt and Grupo Piñero,” said Bartlett.

“Their continued investment and expansion plans demonstrate Jamaica’s growing global appeal as a premier tourism destination. These developments will drive sustainable growth and open new doors for thousands of Jamaicans,” added Bartlett.

Hyatt and Grupo Piñero recently formed a joint venture to manage Bahia Principe Hotels, encompassing 22 resorts with approximately 12,000 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain.

The discussions at FITUR included plans for enhancing the companies’ presence in Jamaica.

Additionally, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered exclusive negotiations with Playa Hotels & Resorts regarding “potential strategic alternatives”, which may include acquiring Playa. Hyatt already owns just under 10 per cent of Playa’s outstanding shares.

Playa, a major player in the all-inclusive market, owns and/or manages 24 resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic under prestigious brands such as Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hilton All-Inclusive, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Wyndham Alltra, Seadust, Kimpton, Jewel Resorts, and Marriott’s Luxury Collection.

Hyatt, with a portfolio of more than 1,350 hotels and resorts in 79 countries, continues to expand its inclusive collection, which features all-inclusive brands such as Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Zoëtry, Secrets, Dreams, Hyatt Vivid, Sunscape, and Alua.

Bartlett emphasised that the ongoing collaborations and investment prospects with these hospitality giants align with Jamaica’s strategic objectives to boost tourism growth, create jobs, and enhance the country’s global tourism standing.