Sandals Resorts International announces major investment across Jamaica resorts ahead of Winter 2026 reopening

Sandals Resorts International revealed a significant investment plan for three of its Jamaican resorts as it gears up to reopen Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast before the Winter 2026 travel season. This move underscores ongoing confidence in Jamaica’s tourism market and aligns with the island’s strategy to boost its hospitality portfolio and sustain long‑term tourism growth.

This investment is part of a broader initiative to upgrade Jamaica’s tourism offering, featuring refreshed rooms, updated public areas, and expanded guest experiences at the three properties. Sandals Resorts International said Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean will reopen in December 2026, with Sandals South Coast set to welcome guests again in November 2026 after extensive renovations. The reopenings will also replenish room inventory ahead of Jamaica’s peak winter travel period.

Planned enhancements cover redesigned arrival zones, new room categories, upgraded beach and pool facilities, and broadened dining options across the resorts. As Jamaica builds on its tourism recovery and improves visitor experiences, continued investment in hospitality infrastructure remains vital to the island’s long‑term tourism development.

The announcement follows Jamaica’s tourism sector showing robust recovery after Hurricane Melissa, with most attractions, lodgings, and support services now fully operational island‑wide. Recovery has been driven by coordinated efforts among the government, tourism stakeholders, and industry partners to rebuild infrastructure, boost visitor confidence, and ensure sector continuity.

Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett emphasized the industry’s resilience after the hurricane. “We are witnessing a strong rebound in tourism, reflecting the resilience of our people and the effectiveness of our recovery measures,” Bartlett remarked.

Director of Tourism Donovan White also stressed the commitment to visitor experience and sustained sector growth. “Our priority is to deliver a seamless, high‑quality experience for guests while we build the sector for long‑term expansion,” White noted.

To further bolster Jamaica’s long‑term tourism strategy, the government is advancing a new Tourism Authority Act to replace the existing Tourist Board Act, a key element of its broader “Tourism 3.0” initiative. The ministry says the proposed law will create a more modern, inclusive governance structure that strengthens ties between tourism and local enterprises.

Commenting on the initiative, Bartlett noted, “We have evolved into a tourism ministry with agencies, yet the Tourist Board Act remains. The first step toward reimagining Tourism 3.0 involves repealing and revising that act and establishing a Tourism Authority Act.”

As Jamaica continues to upgrade its tourism product via investment, recovery efforts, and sector modernization, the destination stays committed to enhancing visitor experiences and fostering sustainable long‑term growth throughout the industry.