Major Hotel Developments to Generate Significant Employment Opportunities

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, says significant employment opportunities are to be generated by several major hotel developments, scheduled to open or reopen in the coming months and years.

Speaking at a recent graduation ceremony hosted by the Central Jamaica Social Development Initiative (CJSDI), in conjunction with the HEART/NSTA Trust and other key stakeholders, at the Golf View Hotel in Manchester, Mr.

Seiveright said the expansion of Jamaica’s hospitality sector will create thousands of jobs, particularly for trained and skilled workers.

During his address to the more than 150 graduates who are now upskilled in entrepreneurship, farm management, and housekeeping services, he pointed to the reopening of the Royal Chinese Hotel in Negril, which is expected to generate more than 800 jobs, with an additional 1,200 to 1,300 workers to be employed to support its full operations.

Mr. Seiveright also highlighted developments in Montego Bay, including The Pinnacle project being undertaken by Chinese-Jamaican investors. The development will feature hundreds of condominiums and is expected to require high-level professional hospitality services.

In addition, the State Minister outlined major renovations planned for several hotels operated by the Hyatt Group of Companies in St. James. These include the Seacrest property, as well as Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, and Hilton Rose Hall, which are slated to undergo extensive upgrades to become four and five-star luxury facilities.

“That’s more than 2,000 rooms and approximately 3,000 jobs in the hospitality sector right there in St. James alone,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He further noted that the Harmony Cove development is expected to come on stream over the next two to three years, adding to Jamaica’s portfolio of luxury tourism products and increasing demand for trained and professional workers.

The State Minister pointed out that a new Royalton Hotel is scheduled to open in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, by the middle of next year. The 350-room property, he said, is expected to employ more than 700 workers.

“These developments will require professionalism, strong work ethics, and properly trained staff to meet the expectations of high-demand guests,” he said.

Mr. Seiveright encouraged the graduates and other jobseekers to position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities, stressing that technical skills must be supported by professionalism and the right attitude.

“Beyond the technical skills that you have, you also need to have emotional intelligence. You need proper professional conduct, respect for people, the ability to work well under pressure, good time management, and a willingness to learn,” he said.

He argued that adaptability and resilience will be critical as the global environment continues to change.

“The world is changing so quickly. Having one career and one job might not be the path to success. Your skills will protect you and give you an edge over the competition. If you stay adaptable, you will get opportunity,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He took the opportunity to affirm the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Jamaicans are prepared and connected to emerging employment opportunities, noting that continuous training and a strong work ethic will be key to sustaining growth within the hospitality sector.

Source: JIS