Above: Antigua (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Canadian travel giant Sunwing is adding a major new resort project on the island of Antigua.

The company’s Royalton brand is developing the Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa, which is slated to open in 2017.

The $400 million project is set to launch construction this summer in the Deep Bay area of Antigua.

The 500-room property will also include a 200-condominium-unit complex.

The contract on the project was signed by Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Tourism Minister Asot Michael and President and CEO of Sunwing Travel Group Stephen Hunter.

“We are very pleased with this new partnership and what it means for the people of Antigua,” said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. “Tourism is vital to our economy and this partnership secures significant growth in revenue and jobs for the years to come.”

Parent company Sunwing, the Canadian travel giant, plans to add new flights to Antigua as well.

That could account for as many as 30,000 new visitors to the island in the first year of the project’s operation, according to the government.

“The island of Antigua has an incredible amount to offer and is an ideal location for a Royalton Luxury Resort. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his administration understand the needs of the modern traveller and have shown great vision and initiative to create the right conditions for investment,” said Stephen Hunter, President & CEO of the Sunwing Travel Group.

Updated: Friday 4:23 PM.