Jamaica’s first full-service casino is set to open at the Princess Grand Jamaica and Princess Senses The Mangrove Resorts in Green Island, Hanover, by late 2025.
The ambitious development, officially opened on Thursday (December 12) by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, marks a historic moment in Jamaica’s tourism sector.
The two resorts, built with a combined investment of $400 million, promise to elevate the island’s tourism offerings while driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Holness lauded the resorts’ design, noting that every room offers a full view of the sea and describing the property as “one of the most beautiful hotels that I have seen.”
Dr. Holness praised the contributions of local workers, many from Hanover, who played a critical role in the resorts’ construction. He emphasized the importance of Jamaica’s economic stability in attracting large-scale investments like the Princess resorts.
“This Administration has provided, for the last nine years, a stable investment environment. Stability brings investment, and we are seeing it,” the Prime Minister said. He highlighted that the stability has spurred further development, announcing plans for three new hotels and expansions that could add 500-900 rooms to existing properties.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, commending Princess’ management for their confidence in Jamaica. He underscored the development’s transformative potential, noting it will generate between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs.
A standout feature of the Princess resorts is their ecological integration. The properties incorporate a mangrove forest as part of their attractions, a first for hotels in the region, according to Minister Bartlett. He described the resorts as “the first truly sustainable hotel development in Jamaica,” highlighting additional environmentally conscious initiatives such as a triple-generation plant powered by natural gas and solar facilities to reduce energy consumption.
Princess’ Managing Director, Enrico Pezzoli, emphasized the company’s commitment to the local community through various initiatives, including support for schools and health facilities in Hanover. “We are committed to maintaining a long, lasting, solid relationship with this community,” he said.
With the casino set to open in 2025 and the resorts already operational, the development is poised to cement Jamaica’s position as a premier Caribbean destination, combining luxury, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
