By Alexander Britell

Part of a growing trend of hotel investment in Jamaica’s capital, Hilton has announced the planned opening of a new Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Kingston.

The new 168-room ROK Hotel, owned by PanJam Investment Limited, is slated to open its doors in 2020 in a multi-purpose complex on the Kingston waterfront.

The wider project will include retail, entertainment and commercial office spaces.

“Strategically focused on our expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, we value the opportunity presented with Tapestry Collection by Hilton,” said Juan Corvinos, vice president, development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “With Tapestry Collection, we open the door to owners with unique, upscale hotels, who seek to maintain their property’s distinctive character, but also seek the benefits of the Hilton engine and our award-winningHilton Honors program.”

Kingston, Jamaica at sunset.

Hilton said the project was part of a broader push in Jamaica’s capital to revitalize the Kingston waterfront.

It’s part of a transformation of the former Oceana Hotel that first opened in 1977.

“Following a year of impressive growth since the brand’s launch, including the signing of our first two properties in Peru, we are energized by our expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Jenna Hackett, global head, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. “With its deep roots in the community, the ROK Hotel, Kingston will offer guests an authentically local experience coupled with the warm and welcoming hospitality of Jamaica.”

The property will feature an “expansive” pool deck on its first floor, along with other amenities like a fitness center, a restauarant, a bar, a lounge area and a cafe.

It will also include flexible meetings and event space.

“As Hilton continues to expand its presence throughout the Caribbean, we are excited to have the opportunity to support their growth and debut the Tapestry Collection brand in the region,” said Stephen Facey, chairman and chief executive officer of PanJam. “We recognize the value in collaborating with a well-respected global hospitality company such as Hilton, particularly as we work together to introduce travelers to authentic Kingston experiences, while offering them the brand’s upscale accommodations.”

It becomes one of several major hotel project currently underway in Kingston, most notably the AC Marriott that is the product of a partnership between Sandals and Marriott along with a 220-room Wyndham-branded hotel.

And it’s yet another new project for Hilton, which has been rapidly expanding its Caribbean footprint so far in 2019.

The post Jamaica Is Getting A New Hilton Hotel in Kingston appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The PGA Tour is set to add the island of Bermuda to its schedule next season.

The world’s highest level of tournament golf will debut the Bermuda Championship from Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2019, the first-ever PGA Tour event on the island.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has signed a five-year agreement, through 2023, with the tour, as the title sponsor of the event.

“We are excited to add the Bermuda Championship to the PGA TOUR beginning next season,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International for the PGA TOUR. “Bermuda is an appealing year-round destination, and the players will love visiting in the fall, plus we will be hosted by an outstanding golf course. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bermuda – a beautiful island destination that embodies genuine hospitality — to the world.”

It’s a boon for the island, and follows similar successful models by islands like The Bahamas that have pushed sports tourism and seen significant marketing benefits from focused TV attention.

“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is thrilled to have secured this pinnacle event in golf for Bermuda’s tourism industry and community,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the BTA. “We’ve had our sights set on a PGA TOUR partnership because of the significant economic benefit the event itself will generate for Bermuda’s economy as well as the worldwide exposure to their audience that perfectly aligns with Bermuda’s visitor targets.”

The tournament will be played at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, designed by Robert Trent Jones, a par-71, 6,539-yard course. It’s not yet clear whether the course will be lengthened ahead of the event. 

— CJ

The post Bermuda Is Getting a PGA Tour Event appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… dance of Puerto Rico and the name of a traditional Puerto Rican drum — … ; Venezuela); Brian Navarreto (catcher; Puerto Rico); Martin Perez (pitcher; Venezuela); … Dominican Republic); Rosario (infielder; Puerto Rico); Sano (third baseman; Dominican Republic …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Mexican Caribbean hotspot of Cancun is about to get its first-ever all-inclusive Margaritaville resort, part of a broad expansion for Margaritaville’s new all-inclusive brand.

The new Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma will be the first of a wave of new all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean and Mexico resulting from a deal between Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels and Resorts.

They will all debut under the new Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma brand, with the Cancun property slated to make its debut this winter.

Other confirmed destinations include a second resort on the Riviera Maya; one in Jamaica and another in Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, according to the company.

The “Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma” will be Margaritaville’s first collection of “inclusive luxury resorts,” according to a statement.

“Our partnership with Margaritaville delivers inclusive resorts unlike anything that has been done before where guests will enjoy unforgettably luxurious vacations without any pretense,” said Mandy Chomat, President at Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive representative of Karisma Hotels and Resorts. “Margaritaville is an esteemed lifestyle brand that inspires guests to have a good time and relax.  Coupled with our commitment to delivering elevated inclusive resorts with extraordinary service and amenities, along with wow moments, Margaritaville Island Reserve will be the ultimate destination for travelers to escape and have fun in the world’s most stunning beach locales.”

The deal between Margaritaville and Karisma was first formalized in 2017.

“With breathtaking beach views, friendly and anticipatory service  and our signature Margaritaville state of mind, Margaritaville Island Reserve is truly the ‘Mi Casa es Su Casa’ experience guests deserve at an inclusive resort,” said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, Chief Marketing Officer for Margaritaville. “We are thrilled to team up with Karisma Hotels & Resorts to create this collection of incredible  properties that deliver carefree Island Reserve Inclusive vacations in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.”

Margaritaville already has a growing portfolio of branded EP hotels in the Caribbean, from the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Grand Cayman to the highly-anticipated Margaritaville at The Pointe in Nassau, with the later slated to debut in the next year.

The post Margaritaville’s Big Caribbean All-Inclusive Expansion appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Wyndham’s La Quinta hotel brand is planning a major expansion to the Dominican Republic.

Wyndham has signed an agreement with Caribbean developer Profusion Group.

 “With a top-performing Caribbean economy and millions of annual visitors, the Dominican Republic attracts a variety of travelers seeking the exceptional value, service and quality for which La Quinta by Wyndham is known in the U.S.,” said Tom Barber, Chief Global Development Officer at Wyndham. “We are committed to working with passionate, like-minded partners like Profusion Group to introduce the brand to new markets – and new travelers – around the world.”

The deal calls for a total of eight new-build La Quinta by Wyndham hotels in the Dominican Republic over the next five years.

Of that, four properties are slated to open in 2021, all of which will be managed by Wyndham’s international management division.

Barber said the expansion was due to increased demand for upper-midscale lodging, particularly in the Dominican Republic, “meeting the needs of the growing traveling class of 280 million households seeking trusted, value-driven travel experiences.”

Interestingly, the company said the hotels would open in destinations with the need for select-service hotels “as alternatives to the island’s upscale all-inclusive resorts,” along with up-and-coming cities with needs for hotel supply.

“The Dominican Republic’s leading position in the Caribbean’s hospitality sector, combined with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ leadership team, a strong and sustainable economy and growing middle class will add to La Quinta by Wyndham’s fast growing footprint,” said Edward De Valle II, CEO of Profusion Group.

Wyndham has been steadily increasing its Caribbean portfolio this year, from a new hotel in Belize to a relaunch in Puerto Rico. 

The post La Quinta Planning Major Expansion to Dominican Republic appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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