Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $13.5 million investment in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, signalling the government's continued commitment to developing the nationally owned property as a key pillar of Antigua and Barbuda's tourism sector.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the announcement during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, describing Jolly Beach as a valuable national asset and outlining a series of planned improvements designed to enhance the guest experience and expand the resort's capacity.
The planned upgrades include the replacement of air-conditioning units across the property, improvements to internet connectivity, and the construction of a new conference facility capable of accommodating up to 500 people.
"We will be spending another $13.5 million initially within a matter of months to improve that facility," Browne said. "The air-conditioning units need to be changed, and we have already bought all of the air-conditioning units to replace the existing ones. We also will be upgrading the internet service."
The prime minister said the proposed conference centre would strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's standing as a destination for meetings, conventions and international events. He noted that the new facility would complement existing venues, including the American University of Antigua, the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, the country's Performing Arts Centre and other conference infrastructure.
"Antigua and Barbuda will have the infrastructure to maintain its position as the top conference destination within the Caribbean region and the diplomatic centre of the Caribbean," Browne said.
The announcement comes as Jolly Beach continues to record positive financial results following years of difficulty. The resort, currently managed by Elite Island Resorts, is generating approximately $4 million annually in profit and attracts an estimated 75,000 visitors each year.
"As far as practical, we should continue to hold on to Jolly Beach as a national asset," Browne said.
The prime minister also highlighted the resort's broader economic contribution, noting that visitor arrivals generate significant revenue through airport and travel-related taxes. He pointed to the property's competitive room rates, amenities and prime location on one of the island's most popular beaches as key strengths in the local tourism market.
Browne credited the resort's staff for their role in its financial turnaround. "The staff there is first class," he said. "They are very proud of the product there."
The government assumed control of Jolly Beach following a prolonged period of financial difficulties that left the property weighed down by debt and outstanding severance obligations. Browne said the administration restructured the resort by selling a portion of the property and using the proceeds to eliminate debts and clear severance payments owed to workers, allowing the hotel to return to profitability.
The latest investment is expected to further modernise the resort as Antigua and Barbuda pursues growth in both leisure tourism and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market. Browne said the improvements will help ensure Jolly Beach remains competitive while supporting the broader goal of expanding the country's tourism product and increasing visitor spending.
