By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaican tourism has a major new player.

Karisma Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to invest more than $900 million in projects that could include nine Jamaica hotels.

The announcement was made by Ruben Becerra, vice president of corporate affairs and business development for Karisma.

The company isn’t new to Jamaica, having opened its first hotel, Azul Sensatori Jamaica in Negril last year, with construction already underway for a neighboring hotel, Azul Seven, a 149-rooom, $45 million project in Jamaica.

The company has now acquired 228 acres on the north coast of St Ann, with plans for nine hotels comprising 4,000 new rooms over the next decade.

That could also include a dolphin experience, water sports and nature experiences like horse trails.

The project will represent approximately 8,000 new direct jobs, according to the company, along with 5,000 indirect jobs.

Karisma said its investment in the “Llandovery” project would also bring in new international brands to the country, with the first hotel slated to open in 2017-2018.

“We are extremely excited to continue working and growing alongside the people of Jamaica, and we remain committed to further enhancing the already bourgeoning tourism industry here,” Becerra said.