PM Announces $13.5 Million Upgrade for Jolly Beach Resort

The government plans to invest $13.5 million in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort as part of efforts to strengthen the property’s role in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme on Saturday, Browne described the resort as a valuable national asset and outlined a series of improvements aimed at enhancing the guest experience and expanding the property’s capacity to host conferences and major events.

Among the planned upgrades are the replacement of air-conditioning units throughout the resort, improvements to internet connectivity, and the construction of a conference facility capable of accommodating up to 500 people.

“We will be spending another $13.5 million initially within a matter of months to improve that facility,” Browne said. “There are some issues there. The air-conditioning units need to be changed, and we have already bought all of the air-conditioning units to replace the existing ones. We also will be upgrading the internet service.”

The prime minister said the proposed conference centre would further strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a destination for meetings, conventions and international events.

According to Browne, the new facility would complement existing conference infrastructure, including the American University of Antigua and the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, as well as the country’s Performing Arts Centre and other venues.

“We intend to add a conference facility that can possibly hold about 500 people,” he said. “Antigua and Barbuda will have the infrastructure to maintain its position as the top conference destination within the Caribbean region and the diplomatic centre of the Caribbean.”

The announcement comes as Jolly Beach continues to post positive financial results after years of financial challenges.

Browne said the resort, which is currently managed by Elite Island Resorts, is generating approximately $4 million annually in profit and attracts an estimated 75,000 visitors each year.

He described the property as one of the strongest performers in the tourism sector and said the government remains committed to maintaining its involvement in the resort.

“As far as practical, we should continue to hold on to Jolly Beach as a national asset,” Browne said.

The prime minister also highlighted the economic contribution made by the resort, noting that visitor arrivals through the property generate significant revenue for the country through airport and travel-related taxes.

He said Jolly Beach offers some of the best value in the local tourism market, pointing to its room rates, amenities and location on one of the island’s most popular beaches.

Browne praised the resort’s employees for their role in its turnaround and credited staff members for helping to improve the guest experience.

“The staff there is first class,” he said. “They are very proud of the product there.”

The government acquired control of Jolly Beach following years of financial difficulties that left the property burdened by debt and outstanding severance obligations.

Browne said the administration restructured the resort by selling a portion of the property, using the proceeds to eliminate debts and clear severance payments owed to workers. He argued that the strategy allowed the hotel to return to profitability and become financially sustainable.

Officials have previously indicated that Jolly Beach remains an important component of Antigua and Barbuda’s room stock, providing hundreds of rooms that support the country’s growing tourism industry.

The latest investment is expected to further modernize the resort as Antigua and Barbuda continues to pursue growth in both leisure tourism and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.

Browne said the improvements will help ensure that Jolly Beach remains competitive while supporting the wider goal of expanding the country’s tourism product and attracting increased visitor spending.

Source: Prime Minister Gaston Browne on the Brown and Brown Show.