PSOJ hails Sandals–Royal Caribbean partnership as a model for global growth

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has moved to congratulate Sandals Resorts International and Royal Caribbean Group on their landmark partnership, which it said represents a significant milestone for both the Jamaican and wider Caribbean business communities. According to the PSOJ, in a press release on Thursday, 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. “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,” Hylton added. The organisation also commended 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. "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," PSOJ said. "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," it added. The PSOJ also acknowledged the vision of the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder of Sandals Resorts and former president of the organisation. "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 said. The PSOJ said the partnership reinforces the importance of scale in building a more productive, resilient and globally competitive Jamaican economy. It said it demonstrates the outcomes that can be achieved through bold entrepreneurship, disciplined investment, continuous innovation and sustained private-sector leadership. The PSOJ is encouraging 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 underscored 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," it added.