The SuperClubs group is to embark on a massive tourism investment programme within the Caribbean over the next two years that’s expected to keep it in pace with Sandals, its arch-rival in the hospitality business.
Chairman of SuperClubs, John Issa, described the projects as the largest block of tourism investment ever attempted in the region, and will cost over US$200 million.
Issa made the announcement at the recent JAPEX Conference in Ocho Rios that brought together the sectors’ players and the overseas interest that market the industry.
The centrepiece of the new thrust will be a 500-room hotel in St Lucia scheduled to start in the latter part of the year. There will also be two new 225-room hotels in Jamaica — Hedonism III in Runaway Bay, St Ann and Breezes Negril in Negril as well as additions to existing hotels both here in Jamaica and in the Bahamas.
The Breezes Negril resort would be in direct competition with Sandals Beaches resort which opened its doors only a few weeks ago.
“We have gone very far with these projects, with the commitment of a large portion of the investment capital”, he told the Observer, adding that the team of investors include both Jamaican and Caribbean investors.
Referring to the Breezes St Lucia project Issa said if everything fell into place it would begin construction before year end and it was hoped to be opened in December 1999. The hotel will be built on 75 acres of beach front land in Honeymoon Bay on the South eastern corner of St Lucia. He said there would be 500 rooms and suites and all the other attendants facilities.
The new investments will also cover expansions to existing properties.
In the Bahamas, the company will be building 100 rooms and suites at
its Breezes property while here in Jamaica 60 suites and a new restaurant is to be added at Breezes Golf and Beach Resort in Runaway Bay.
Grand Lido in Negril will be getting 50 presidential suites and a spa; Sans Souci Lido is in the process of adding 36 beach front suits and at Hedonism two between 60 and 80 be added to that resort property.
Others to benefit from SuperClubs massive investments project are
Breezes Montego Bay where the Italian Restaurant will be upgraded and a new wedding gazebo build. At the family oriented Boscobel Beach, hotel rooms
are being renovated.
Source: The Observer
