The City Improvement Company (UDC) is actively looking for buyers to spearhead the event of a number of tourism tasks in St Ann, together with Inexperienced Grotto Caves, Pearly Seaside, and Dunn’s River Falls. The company’s newest spherical of tenders aligns with a broader push to modernise Jamaica’s tourism choices whereas increasing income streams for one of many nation’s key financial sectors.
With Dunn’s River Falls serving as the biggest of UDC’s managed points of interest, the company’s tasks division is projecting that its portfolio—together with Inexperienced Grotto Caves, Turtle River Park, and different services—will generate $2.4 billion in income for the fiscal 12 months ending March 2025, up from an estimated $1.8 billion within the earlier 12 months.
The expansion projections sign elevated customer curiosity and reinforces the necessity for funding to develop choices and enhance infrastructure.
Inexperienced Grotto Caves, a 69.241-acre attraction in Discovery Bay, is the most recent web site earmarked for personal funding. The caves, steeped in historical past, have served as a refuge for the indigenous Taino folks, a hideout for Spanish settlers, and a storied smuggling route. Now, UDC is looking for proposals from buyers to reinforce the positioning’s tourism choices whereas preserving its ecological and historic integrity.
The 25-year lease settlement is predicted to draw operators who can introduce sustainable points of interest, guided experiences, and eco-adventure actions that align with worldwide tourism traits. Proposals are due by April 4, 2025, with a bid opening scheduled at UDC’s Kingston headquarters.
In the meantime, Dunn’s River Falls, a flagship tourism attraction for Jamaica, is present process important upgrades below a newly introduced grasp plan. The UDC in a public discover stated growth plans for the property embrace introducing new tourism merchandise, akin to night-time meals and beverage companies and off-road journey experiences like ATV and bike using — all of that are geared toward extending customer engagement past the standard waterfall climb.
UDC can also be inviting proposals for brand new water-based points of interest and journey actions on the park, with submission deadlines set for March 17, 2025. Moreover, retail concession alternatives—together with emblem retailers and kiosks—can be found, with bids closing on February 26, 2025.
Buyers even have a chance to develop Pearly Seaside, a 4.581-acre prime coastal property in Ocho Rios. The lease settlement spans 25 years, with rental critiques each 5 years. The location gives potential for luxurious hospitality, occasion areas, and different tourism-related ventures.
Jamaica’s tourism business continues to be a main driver of financial development, and UDC’s structured leasing method is geared toward attracting critical buyers able to enhancing the nation’s tourism product.
Two of the websites slated for growth — Dunn’s River Falls and Inexperienced Grotto Caves — have already garnered worldwide acclaim which highlights their international attraction and the potential for additional growth.
Each websites obtained the Consultants’ Alternative Awards 2024, reflecting their standing as premier locations inside Jamaica’s tourism portfolio. The popularity was given by Tripexpert at its eighth annual Consultants’ Alternative Awards, at which 7,900 winners from throughout 118 international locations have been honoured in three classes: inns, eating places, and vacationer points of interest. The record consists of 19 different awards to Jamaican entities.
