Jamaica is set to mark a significant milestone in its tourism sector with the announcement of the country’s first casino, scheduled to open at Princess Resorts in late 2025. The development, revealed by Managing Director Enrico Pezzoli during the grand opening of Princess Grand Jamaica and Princess Senses The Mangrove on December 12, 2024, underscores the growing appeal of the island as a premier tourist destination.

A $400 Million Investment in Tourism

As TravelDailyNews reports, Pezzoli expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Princess is proud to be the first in Jamaica to offer a full-service style casino where guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art gaming lounge and at the same time world-class food and beverage.” Construction is already underway, with plans to unveil the casino by the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Princess Resorts project, representing a $400 million investment, comprises over 1,000 rooms and luxurious overwater suites, offering a high-end all-inclusive experience. Located in Green Island, Hanover, the resorts have already gained recognition, with Princess Grand Jamaica achieving the second spot on TripAdvisor in its category within its first six weeks of operation.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who officially opened the resort, commended the ambitious initiative, describing the property as “one of the most beautiful hotels that I have seen.” He highlighted the stability of Jamaica’s economic environment, which has been pivotal in attracting such large-scale investments.

“Stability brings opportunities for investors to take calculated risks, and our administration has worked tirelessly to create this environment over the last nine years,” Holness remarked.

Sustainability and community engagement:

The Princess Resorts development is notable not only for its scale but also for its commitment to sustainability. The project integrates a 100-acre mangrove ecosystem, implementing preservation and restoration measures to support biodiversity. Additionally, the resort features cutting-edge infrastructure, including a reverse osmosis plant for water treatment and a tri-generation facility powered by natural gas to optimize energy efficiency.

Princess Resorts has also prioritized community involvement, adopting local schools and supporting nearby hospitals in Green Island and Lucea. Pezzoli emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties with the community, stating, “We are committed to maintaining a long, lasting, solid relationship with this community.”

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett celebrated the groundbreaking development, lauding the resort as “the first truly sustainable hotel development in Jamaica.” He further acknowledged the historical significance of the casino, describing it as a transformative addition to Jamaica’s tourism offerings.

In light of the resort’s anticipated success, the Jamaican government has committed to infrastructure upgrades to support the area’s growth. Jamaica Gleaner reports that plans include constructing the Hopewell and Lucea bypasses, creating new parks in Negril, and developing an airport to enhance accessibility.

Prime Minister Holness also revealed an intention to designate Negril as a special investment area, aimed at revitalizing the region’s appeal as a tourist hotspot.

As Jamaica prepares to welcome its first casino, the Princess Resorts project is expected to generate between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs and further solidify the island’s status as a leading destination for luxury tourism. With its blend of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, the initiative represents a bold step forward for Jamaica’s hospitality industry.