Melia Jamaica Continues Melia Hotels International's Global Expansion Strategy in one of the Caribbean's Most Popular Destinations

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chairman of Melia Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, and the Ministers of Tourism and of Labour & Social Security of Jamaica, Wykeham McNeil and Derrick Kellier, yesterday formalized the contract by which the Government of Jamaica entrusts Melia to operate the flagship resort currently known as "Braco Village Hotel & Spa" in Braco, on Jamaica's north coast.

The resort consists of 226 rooms within colonial-style buildings facing one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, and features five restaurants and a variety of bars, pools and spas.  The property will undergo a comprehensive renovation until its opening as Melia Jamaica, scheduled for November 2014. Once it is adapted to the high standards of the Melia brand and the newly heightened quality of the destination, the property will be managed as a Melia All Inclusive, Melia Hotels International's upscale all-inclusive hotels.

According to the Resonance Report, in conjunction with the Luxury Institute, Jamaica is currently one of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean by affluent travelers from North America.  The leading Caribbean luxury destination, The Bahamas, is home to Melia Nassau Beach Resort at the Baha Mar Complex, one of the iconic properties signed by Melia earlier this month. Melia Hotels International's brand recognition will also help to attract international visitors who aim to combine the spectacular beauty of the unique destination, with the convenience of an upscale all-inclusive resort.

"Jamaica is a long awaited destination for Melia Hotels International; the English-speaking Caribbean is a major focus in our global expansion strategy," said Gabriel Escarrer, Melia Hotels International Chairman.  "Melia is an international leader and benchmark in the resort segment, expanding our footprint to all major vacation destinations, both inland and on islands in the English-speaking Caribbean-- in addition to the Islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Southeast Asia, and of course the Mediterranean."

Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence-- alongside its numerous sporting triumphs at the recent Olympic Games-- the sunny island looks set to continue attracting both new and repeat visitors in 2014.

The hotel is owned by the country's National Insurance Fund (NIF) and selected Melia as the operator after a highly competitive process.  "In reviewing the proud history of Melia Hotels International and receiving feedback about their respectful approach to what the NIF is trying to achieve, as well as their honorable conduct in the negotiations, I am confident that we have indeed selected the right partner with which to go forward," said Derrick Kellier, Labour & Social Security Minister. "We firmly believe in their long-term commitment to the project and Jamaica."

"The Jamaican Government is deeply committed to improving the country's main tourist centers, and Melia is our preferred choice in transforming and restoring the resort back to splendor," said Wykeham McNeil, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. "We assessed Melia's hotel management experience in the Caribbean and its international leadership within the leisure segment, and those two things together with the brand's management reputation, made Melia the clear choice."

About Melia Hotels International
Melia Hotels International was founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca ( Spain ) and is one of the world 's largest resort hotel chains, as well as Spain's leading hotel chain. It currently operates more than 350 hotels and 90,000 rooms in 40 countries in four continents under its brands: Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus Resorts, Melia Hotels & Resorts, ME by Melia, Innside by Melia, Tryp by Wyndham, and Sol Hotels. Its product and service portfolio is complemented by Club Melia, the only vacation club operated by a Spanish company.  For more information, please visit www.Meliahotelsinternational.com.

SOURCE Melia Hotels International