Marley film, new hotels expected to boost Jamaica tourism
International news
Jamaican tourism officials visiting here in February to celebrate Reggae Month and the release of a major motion picture about the island nation's most famous son, Bob Marley, were eager to talk about resort and infrastructure development in the country.
The film, "Bob Marley: One Love," which opened in the U.S. on Valentine's Day, was filmed in Jamaica and is expected to provide a boost for both tourism and the island's film industry.
But even before the movie's release, Jamaica tourism had been surging.
White said that 15,000 hotel rooms are expected to open on the island over the next five to seven years. This year alone, openings will include 1,000 rooms at two new Princess properties as well as the 745-room Riu in Negril and the 450-room Unico 1877 Hotel Montego Bay.
"The investment appetite for Jamaica is extremely positive," White said, adding that there are strong commitments from investing partners to put money into housing solutions for resort employees.