Two of the world's largest casino operators, Harrah's and MGM, are showing keen interest in partnering with the US$1.8-billion (J$143 billion) 'Celebration Jamaica' resort development touted to add gold to Montego Bay's 'Elegant Corridor', Rose Hall, The Gleaner has learnt.

However, Dennis Constanzo, president of local developers, Palmyra Resort and Spa, said he has been frustrated by delays in receiving his resort's casino licence. Prime Minister Bruce Golding had announced the award of licences to two groups, Harmonisation Limited and the Palmyra, earlier this year.

The mega project, set to become the island's first casino hotel, will form the cornerstone of a multilayered development that will celebrate Jamaica through an array of premier attractions, the developers said.

Winter season begins

Constanzo's call comes on the eve of the winter tourist season which officially starts today and runs until April 15, 2009.

Elated by news of Harrah's and MGM's interest, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told The Gleaner that Cabinet had already approved the policy outline of the licence and technocrats were working to complete legislation for parliamentary approval.

"This is the process in order to ensure prudence," he said, hardly able to contain his excitement about the casino players' interest.

"This is a strong indication that Destination Jamaica remains top of mind. MGM looking to Jamaica as one of two countries, when there is a downtown in Las Vegas, is a powerful statement of confidence."

Redefining moment

Bartlett cautioned, though, that the impact of the global economy would redefine the tourism industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean. He said critical and strategic repositioning must be done in the areas of marketing, product development and operational management.

"New business models must emerge to drive greater efficiencies in operations and visitor experience even as we market smarter and try to stay on the cutting edge of technology."

He reiterated his comments in a winter tourist season message to the nation yesterday, adding that potential threats to the sector could be grave.

"We must all commit to smarter, closer, dedicated partnerships, striving to mitigate the potential threats to our tourism industry and to even achieve a small level of growth," he urged.