FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KINGSTON, October 1, 2026: The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (The PSOJ) congratulates Sandals Resorts International and Royal Caribbean Group on their landmark partnership, which represents a significant milestone for both the Jamaican and wider Caribbean business communities.
The agreement brings together two globally respected hospitality brands and is expected to support the continued expansion of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, broaden their international reach and create new opportunities across the global tourism industry. The proposed transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to the relevant approvals and customary closing conditions.
For Jamaica, this is more than a major commercial transaction. It is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when Jamaican entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition are supported by sustained investment and a clear vision for growth.
Sandals is one of Jamaica’s most successful home-grown enterprises and has developed into a globally respected brand that showcases the warmth, creativity and excellence of Jamaica and the Caribbean. From its beginnings in Montego Bay more than four decades ago, the company has grown into an internationally recognised hospitality group with a strong presence across the region.
The PSOJ proudly acknowledges the extraordinary vision of the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder of Sandals Resorts and former President of The PSOJ. His belief that a Jamaican company could compete successfully with the world’s leading hospitality brands laid the foundation for a business that has transformed Caribbean tourism and opened opportunities for thousands of people across the region.
The Organisation also commends the leadership of Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, for building on that legacy, expanding the company’s reach and positioning the Sandals and Beaches brands for their next phase of international growth and innovation.
“This partnership is an important Jamaican success story and a clear example of the economic transformation we want to see across our private sector,” said PSOJ President Patrick Hylton. “Sandals has demonstrated that a business born in Jamaica can innovate, build a world-class brand, expand throughout the region and attract investment from one of the leading vacation companies in the world.”
“This achievement should give Jamaican entrepreneurs and business leaders confidence that our companies can grow beyond the domestic market and compete successfully on the international stage. The challenge before us is to create many more Sandals stories across tourism, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, the creative industries and other high-potential sectors,” Mr Hylton added.
The partnership reinforces the importance of scale in building a more productive, resilient and globally competitive Jamaican economy. It demonstrates the outcomes that can be achieved through bold entrepreneurship, disciplined investment, continuous innovation and sustained private-sector leadership.
The PSOJ encourages Jamaican businesses of all sizes to pursue opportunities for expansion, strategic partnerships, export growth and entry into new markets. At the same time, the Organisation underscores the importance of maintaining an enabling policy environment in which enterprises can invest confidently, access capital and talent, innovate, expand their operations and create quality employment.
This requires continued attention to economic stability, competitive taxation, efficient regulation, modern infrastructure, workforce development, access to financing and greater ease of doing business.
Jamaica’s long-term development will depend significantly on our ability to build and retain more globally competitive enterprises. The Sandals story and this important new chapter in its development, shows that Jamaican businesses can move from local success to regional leadership and global relevance.
The PSOJ congratulates Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart and the wider Sandals team, as well as Royal Caribbean Group, and wishes both organisations every success as they pursue this partnership and its future opportunities.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Velton Gooden Jr.
Communications Associate
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica
Email: veltong@psoj.org
Telephone: (876) 836-4285