Bahia Principe reopens in Runaway Bay, adding 664 rooms and 800 jobs

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the reopening of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in Runaway Bay, a move that adds 664 rooms to Jamaica’s tourism accommodation stock and reinstates 800 workers following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

The milestone was celebrated during a ceremony attended by guests, staff and media, marking a major step in Jamaica’s tourism recovery efforts.

Minister Bartlett, who joined resort executives and staff to celebrate the reopening, emphasized the significance of restoring room capacity to the island’s tourism sector.

“Six hundred and sixty-four rooms have returned to Jamaica’s accommodation stock,” Bartlett said. “That is 664 reasons for families across the world to come to Jamaica — 664 rooms that will welcome visitors, create memories, and drive economic activity throughout this community and beyond. It is also a bold commitment by our hotel partner to the sector’s recovery.”

The reopening also provides a major boost to the tourism workforce, with 800 Jamaicans returning to employment at the property.

Donovan White said the development reflects growing demand and continued recovery across the destination.

“The return of these 664 rooms and 800 team members represents the kind of momentum we have been building across the destination,” White said. “We are seeing strong and sustained interest in Jamaica from our major markets, and as we continue to restore capacity, we are reinforcing our position as the Caribbean’s leading destination. Jamaica is open, Jamaica is ready, and we are welcoming the world back with the authentic hospitality that defines us.”

Officials said the resort group also plans to reopen a second major Jamaica property on Dec. 1, 2026, which is expected to add hundreds of additional rooms and jobs to the tourism sector.

“When tourism thrives, Jamaica thrives,” Bartlett said. “When hotels like this one reopen, families eat. Communities prosper. The entire nation moves forward.”

The reopening forms part of Jamaica’s broader tourism recovery strategy following Hurricane Melissa. Several major hotel chains, including Sandals Resorts International, RIU Hotels & Resorts, Moon Palace Resorts, and Jamaica Inn have already resumed operations.

Additionally, Half Moon recently reopened, while resort areas in Kingston, Portland and Ocho Rios were among the first to welcome visitors following the hurricane. Officials noted that attractions across the island remain open.

Tourism continues to play a vital role in Jamaica’s economy, contributing approximately 30% of the country’s gross domestic product, generating significant foreign exchange earnings and employing about 20% of the workforce. The sector also supports related industries such as agriculture, entertainment and transportation.