MONTEGO BAY — Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett signalled the start of what he called “a new perspective in tourism development in Jamaica” following the ground-breaking ceremony for UNICO Montego Bay, a 451-room luxury adults only all-inclusive resort.

UNICO Montego Bay will be joined by other high-end brands such as Hard Rock.

UNICO Montego Bay is the second hotel brand under the RCD Hotels banner locally and the choice of location met the desire of the family hotel chain “to expand the brand to a destination in the Caribbean known for its rich culture and stunning beaches,” according to a statement from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism. RCD Hotels has developments in Mexico, the D.R. and the United States of America.

The resort development will be complemented by the construction of 1,000 houses for hotel workers in partnership with the Housing Agency of Jamaica.

In the long-term however, the RCD group’s investment project could expand to 2,000 rooms, including the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (second from left) and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang (right) talk with Rafael Chapur and Rodrigo Chapur, developers of RCD Hotels’ latest property, UNICO Montego Bay

The development has been welcomed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister Bartlett as an investment not only in tourism but in the people of Jamaica.

“I want to welcome the RCD group to Jamaica. We are very happy to have you as a development partner and we know that it is not just an investment in our sun, sea, and sand. You’re also going to be investing in our society,” said Prime Minister Holness.

He underscored that Jamaica is seeking to offer safety, security, soundness, seamlessness and stability in attracting investors and visitors. He noted that RCD Hotels had made its decision to invest in Jamaica because of the unique cultural experiences of the people. “But they’re also making the decision because Jamaica is a country that you can bank on,” he said.

Minister Bartlett added: “All subsequent discussions with investors coming into Jamaica for tourism will take into account the impact on the environment; the impact of the social development within the area and the governance of the area.”

Year to date, Jamaica’s visitor arrivals for the year so far showed a 97% recovery on 2019 figures. Revenue is up 20% above 2019 levels.

Rodrigo Chapur, VP Development at RCD Hotels, said his family was happy to be bringing the second UNICO branded hotel to Jamaica.