Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the signing of a partnership agreement between Sandals Resorts and Royal Caribbean Group, highlighting its potential to expand Jamaica’s international reach, support tourism investment and create opportunities for workers and local businesses.

“Sandals is a Jamaican success story, built on the vision of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and the contribution of generations of Caribbean hospitality professionals. His son, Adam Stewart, has carried that legacy forward as executive chairman, guiding the brand into a new chapter of growth and global partnership. This announcement represents a significant moment in that journey. We recognise the importance of that legacy and the possibilities that greater global reach could bring to its next chapter,” a release from the tourism ministry quotes Bartlett.

He noted that combining Sandals’ resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s international customer base and distribution networks could introduce Jamaica to wider audiences.

Over time, this could support demand for resort stays, encourage further investment and create additional opportunities across the tourism economy, including procurement from Jamaican farmers and manufacturers, opportunities for attractions and creative enterprises, and training and career development for tourism workers.

These possibilities, he said, align with Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 growth agenda, which places greater emphasis on retaining tourism value locally, developing human capital and ensuring that communities share in the sector’s progress.