Both SuperClubs and Sandals Resorts reported rapid recovery in their operations at the recently concluded Jamaica Product Exchange in Ocho Rios.
While the world travel industry is only slowly recovering from last year’s terrorist attacks in the United States, both resorts say they are planning to unveil new properties in the near future.
“People think we’re crazy, maybe they’re right,” said Sandals chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. He outlined plans for new properties this year in Port Antonio and Boscobel in Jamaica, Cuba, Anguilla and St. Lucia.
Next year, Sandals will open an elaborate property in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, a traditional plantation area with community tourism possibilities.
SuperClubs will open additional resorts in Brazil and add two new properties to its rapidly expanding Cuban collection. Executive vice-president Joe Issa, reported that St. Kitts is still on the front-burner as well as a European Plan property in Ocho Rios. Additionally, his resort group is making significant investments in enhancing existing product.
Sandals’ Stewart said this year has opened on positive note for the chain, and while the first two months slightly lagged behind 2001, the month of March was better than last year and there are similar expectations for April.
Source: The Gleaner
