By Sitaram Mewati
Sandals Resorts International has announced a major investment programme across three of its Jamaica properties as the company prepares for the reopening of Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast ahead of the Winter 2026 travel season. The development underscores continued confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector and aligns with the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its hospitality infrastructure and long-term tourism growth.
The investment forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance Jamaica’s tourism product through upgraded accommodations, refreshed public spaces and expanded guest experiences across all three resorts. Sandals Resorts International confirmed that Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are scheduled to reopen in December 2026, while Sandals South Coast is expected to resume operations in November 2026 following extensive renovation and redevelopment works. The phased reopening is also expected to restore significant room inventory ahead of Jamaica’s peak winter tourism season.
The upgrades will include redesigned arrival areas, new accommodation categories, enhanced beachfront and pool experiences, and expanded dining concepts across the properties, aimed at elevating the overall guest journey. These enhancements are expected to further position Jamaica as a leading Caribbean luxury tourism destination.
The announcement comes as Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to show strong recovery momentum following Hurricane Melissa, with most tourism attractions, hotels and supporting services now fully operational. Recovery efforts have been driven by coordinated action between the Government, tourism stakeholders and industry partners aimed at restoring infrastructure, rebuilding visitor confidence and ensuring continuity across the sector.
Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett said the industry’s rebound reflects the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism ecosystem. Director of Tourism Donovan White also highlighted continued efforts to enhance visitor experience and strengthen long-term sector growth.
As Jamaica advances its “Tourism 3.0” vision, the Government is also working on modernising the country’s tourism governance framework through a proposed Tourism Authority Act, replacing the existing Tourist Board Act. The initiative is aimed at creating a more modern and inclusive structure for industry development and strengthening linkages between tourism and local industries.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
