PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain—The chairman of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, and the Ministers of Tourism and of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica, Wykeham McNeil and Derrick Kellier, yesterday formalized the contract by which the Government of Jamaica entrusts Meliá to operate the flagship resort currently known as Braco Village Hotel and Spa in Braco, on Jamaica’s north coast.
The resort consists of 226 rooms within colonial-style buildings facing the beach, and features five restaurants and a variety of bars, pools, and spas. The property will undergo a comprehensive renovation until its opening as Meliá Jamaica, scheduled for November 2014. Once it is adapted to the standards of the Meliá brand, the property will be managed as a Meliá All Inclusive.
“Jamaica is a long awaited destination for Meliá Hotels International; the English-speaking Caribbean is a major focus in our global expansion strategy,” said Gabriel Escarrer, Meliá Hotels International chairman. ”Meliá is an international leader and benchmark in the resort segment, expanding our footprint to all major vacation destinations, both inland and on islands in the English-speaking Caribbean.”
The hotel is owned by the country’s National Insurance Fund (NIF) and selected Meliá as the operator after a highly competitive process. “In reviewing the proud history of Meliá Hotels International and receiving feedback about their respectful approach to what the NIF is trying to achieve, as well as their honorable conduct in the negotiations, I am confident that we have indeed selected the right partner with which to go forward,” said Derrick Kellier, Labour and Social Security minister. “We firmly believe in their long-term commitment to the project and Jamaica.”
