Princess emerging as a special gem in Jamaica’s tourism crown
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 4:51 PMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Setting the stage for a transformative experience in Jamaica’s hospitality sector, Princess Hotels and Resorts, which is merely two months old, is proving to be a hit with visitors as it has secured 100 wedding bookings and more than 60 group reservations for 2025.
Marc Pelfort, the hotel chain’s regional group director of sales and marketing, told The Gleaner last week at the International Tourism Conference FITUR 2025 in Madrid, Spain, that one of the standout features at the resort, which is based in Green Island, Hanover, is its unique island in the bay, which is designed exclusively for weddings.
“This picturesque venue allows couples to exchange vows against a backdrop of breathtaking sunsets, surrounded by the serene waters of the Caribbean. Since its opening, this state-of-the-art facility has quickly gained popularity, adding to Jamaica’s reputation as a premier wedding destination,” said Pelfort.
According to research from Future Markets Insight, the global destination wedding market has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, spending reached US$28 billion and is projected to escalate to US$100 billion by 2028.
In the Caribbean, the destination wedding market, which was valued at approximately US$4.4 billion in 2022, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3 per cent, reaching around US$17.3 billion by 2033. Princess Hotels has not lost sight of the market potential in its design of this ‘island’ for weddings.
RESORT’S FACILITIES
With the 65 groups booked already, the resort’s facilities extend beyond leisure, with a strong focus on accommodating meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) business. A newly constructed convention centre can host over 1,000 attendees, complete with multiple breakout rooms and a sky terrace offering stunning views of the bay and overwater villas. These features position the property as a premier choice for global conferences, corporate retreats, and large-scale events in the Caribbean.
“We are thrilled with the reception we’ve received since opening,” shared Pelfort, even as he awaited the start of another meeting with a prospective client in-between the Gleaner interview. “This property is not only the largest we’ve built in 15 years, but also a symbol of our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in Jamaica and beyond.”
The expansive development includes two hotels tailored to distinct audiences. One caters exclusively to adults, featuring 410 luxurious suites, while the other is family-oriented, offering 590 rooms and an impressive aquatic park. This thoughtful segmentation ensures guests can find the perfect environment to suit their needs, whether seeking tranquility or fun-filled family adventures.
The resort has already begun attracting a diverse clientele from North America, Latin America, and Europe, bolstering Jamaica’s appeal as a global travel destination. Looking ahead, the addition of an on-site casino is expected to elevate the property’s allure, drawing even more guests and groups.
With its strategic investments and innovative offerings, Princess Hotels & Resorts is not only enhancing Jamaica’s tourism landscape but also setting new benchmarks for premium inclusivity and event hosting in the Caribbean.