The Changing Landscape: What's on the Horizon?

Even with Dean and Noel barreling through the region this hurricane season, there is no denying the region’s tourism industry has been quite lucky with both having had minimal effect on the infrastructure. But what is actually changing the face of tourism over the next few months are the new properties, attractions and developments that are scheduled to either open or break ground. Here is a brief roundup of what we can expect for this winter and 2008.

Enjoying its first winter is Jamaica's newest attraction, the Outameni Experience in the hills of Trelawny. This interactive tour takes visitors through Jamaica's diverse history, from the Tainos through to present-day Jamaica. Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon and RIU Ocho Rios are also making their grand debuts. And, scheduled to open this winter is the Montego Bay Conference Center. The center will be located at Rose Hall and is expected to offer over 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

With much anticipation and in time for New Year's Eve, the 428-room Hyatt Regency will open in Port of Spain, Trinidad next month. The five-star high rise hotel which sits along the capital city's waterfront features a 16,000-square-foot ballroom, a 10,000 square-foot multipurpose facility, and a 6,000 square-foot spa and fitness center. Changing the landscape of downtown Port of Spain, the new hotel's location will enable visitors to explore local attractions while experiencing the rich culture of this multi-ethnic island.

Scheduled for next September is the long-awaited opening of Westin Le Paradis St. Lucia. With guestrooms and suites featuring all the comforts for which Westin is known, the resort will also boast two ballrooms that sit atop the main resort, with six conference rooms and two outdoor pavilions. Westin's Rōco Ki Beach & Golf Resort with its unique Jungle Luxe® bungalows, is expected to open in May, just 19 miles from the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana Airport. Also breaking ground in the DR are Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.

In Costa Rica, St. Regis Resort and Residences is also breaking ground, and with anticipated openings in 2009, the luxury brand, Mandarin Oriental will make its presence known in Costa Rica and the Caribbean. In Costa Rica, the 130-room resort will be a feature among beach and golf villas and exclusive private homes. Located on the Pacific coastline, the property will include an 18-hole Fred Couples Signature Championship golf course, 20,000 square foot spa, a natural beach, and 200 acres of protected tropical dry forest. The hotel company has announced that it will manage a new 125-room resort with Residences at Mandarin Oriental on the island of St. Kitts, opening in 2010. The luxurious resort will be located on the island's secluded southeast peninsula, characterized by lush hillsides and salt lakes.