Princess Resorts reopens in Hanover, bringing 1,000 tourism workers back to work
Published:Monday | February 2, 2026 | 11:45 AM
The phased reopening of Princess Hotels & Resorts in Hanover has returned 1,000 tourism workers to the employment line, a major development in Jamaica’s post-hurricane tourism recovery.
Operations resumed on Sunday with Princess Senses The Mangrove welcoming guests, while Princess Grand is scheduled to officially open on March 1.
The reopening was marked by a reception at the resort on Sunday, where Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, described the development as a powerful demonstration of tourism’s ability to rebound even after extreme disruption.
“This is the power of tourism,” Bartlett said. “Hurricane Melissa bent us a little bit, but she could not break us. Today, we are opening this 1,000-room hotel in two phases and bringing more than 1,000 workers back to work.”
Bartlett said the reopening forms part of a broader national recovery that is progressing faster than initially projected. He noted that by mid-year, 85 per cent of Jamaica’s hotel room inventory is expected to be back in operation, with the country on track to end 2026 at full capacity.
He also highlighted the pace of national recovery following the hurricane, noting that within six weeks, 90 per cent of electricity and water services had been restored and 70 per cent of hotels had resumed operations.
“It is a marvellous statement to make to the world that a small country like Jamaica could endure one of the worst weather events in North Atlantic history and still rebound with this level of speed and confidence,” Bartlett said.
Speaking at the reception, Enrico Pezzoli, Managing Director of Princess Resorts Jamaica, credited the resort’s recovery to teamwork, resilience and the commitment of its staff.
“Just over three months ago, one of the most severe hurricanes in the history of the Caribbean caused significant damage here,” Pezzoli said. “Today, thanks to the unbelievable teamwork of our staff and construction teams, we are back in business and back together.”
Pezzoli assured guests that operations had stabilised quickly and expressed confidence in Jamaica’s readiness to welcome visitors.
“Jamaica is strong, and Jamaica will be even stronger,” he said. “Our team members will once again show why Jamaica remains one of the top destinations in the world.”
With Princess Senses The Mangrove now open and Princess Grand set to follow in March, the Green Island resort complex is once again positioning Hanover as a major driver of employment, visitor arrivals and confidence in Jamaica’s tourism recovery.
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