Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that at least two major international hospitality companies — Club Med and TUI — have expressed interest in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, one of Antigua and Barbuda's largest tourism properties.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the disclosure during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, confirming that discussions with potential investors are underway as the government weighs the property's future.
"Club Med would like to acquire it," Browne said, adding that talks with TUI are also on the horizon. "We'll be having a discussion, I think, next week with TUI as well. They are also interested in the property."
Despite the expressed interest, the prime minister signalled that the government will not entertain any deal that results in a dramatic reduction of the resort's room inventory. Club Med's interest is understood to involve a redevelopment of the property, a process that could temporarily remove hundreds of rooms from the national tourism supply.
"We have said to them we can't afford to lose so many rooms," Browne said. "If they want to do it in a systematic way, you take out maybe 100 rooms, 200 rooms, and then we don't lose all the rooms."
Jolly Beach Resort currently draws approximately 75,000 visitors annually and is generating around US$4 million in annual profits — a significant turnaround after years of financial difficulties. The government assumed control of the resort following a period of mounting debt and operational challenges. A subsequent restructuring, which included the sale of a portion of the property, allowed the government to clear outstanding liabilities and severance obligations while returning the hotel to profitability.
"Currently it has been managed by Elite Island Resorts, and they're doing a good job," Browne noted.
The prime minister recently announced a $13.5 million upgrade programme for the resort, covering new air-conditioning units, improved internet infrastructure and the construction of a conference facility with capacity for up to 500 people.
Government officials have consistently described Jolly Beach as a strategic national asset given its size, location and contribution to the broader tourism sector. Browne reaffirmed that position, making clear that any future sale or partnership must preserve the resort's economic contribution and room capacity.
"As far as practical, we should continue to hold on to Jolly Beach as a national asset," he said.
