The Chairman of Melia Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, and the Ministers of Tourism and of Labour & Social Security of Jamaica, Wykeham McNeil andDerrick Kellier, yesterday formalized the contract by which the Government of Jamaica entrusts Melia to operate the flagship resort currently known as "Braco Village Hotel & Spa" in Braco, on Jamaica's north coast.

The resort consists of 226 rooms within colonial-style buildings facing one of the most stunning beaches in theCaribbean, and features five restaurants and a variety of bars, pools and spas. The property will undergo a comprehensive renovation until its opening asMelia Jamaica, scheduled forNovember 2014. Once it is adapted to the high standards of the Melia brand and the newly heightened quality of the destination, the property will be managed as a Melia All Inclusive, Melia Hotels International's upscale all-inclusive hotels.

According to the Resonance Report, in conjunction with the Luxury Institute, Jamaica is currently one of the most sought after destinations in theCaribbeanby affluent travelers from North America. The leadingCaribbeanluxury destination, TheBahamas, is home to Melia Nassau Beach Resort at the Baha Mar Complex, one of the iconic properties signed by Melia earlier this month. Melia Hotels International's brand recognition will also help to attract international visitors who aim to combine the spectacular beauty of the unique destination, with the convenience of an upscale all-inclusive resort.

"Jamaica is a long awaited destination for Melia Hotels International; the English-speakingCaribbeanis a major focus in our global expansion strategy," said Gabriel Escarrer, Melia Hotels International Chairman. "Melia is an international leader and benchmark in the resort segment, expanding our footprint to all major vacation destinations, both inland and on islands in the English-speakingCaribbean-- in addition to the Islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans,Southeast Asia, and of course the Mediterranean."

Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence-- alongside its numerous sporting triumphs at the recent Olympic Games-- the sunny island looks set to continue attracting both new and repeat visitors in 2014.

The hotel is owned by the country's National Insurance Fund (NIF) and selected Melia as the operator after a highly competitive process. "In reviewing the proud history of Melia Hotels International and receiving feedback about their respectful approach to what the NIF is trying to achieve, as well as their honorable conduct in the negotiations, I am confident that we have indeed selected the right partner with which to go forward," saidDerrick Kellier, Labour & Social Security Minister. "We firmly believe in their long-term commitment to the project and Jamaica."

"The Jamaican Government is deeply committed to improving the country's main tourist centers, and Melia is our preferred choice in transforming and restoring the resort back to splendor," said Wykeham McNeil, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. "We assessed Melia's hotel management experience in theCaribbeanand its international leadership within the leisure segment, and those two things together with the brand's management reputation, made Melia the clear choice."

About Melia Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company according to S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2024, as well as being a "Top Employer 2024" brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com