|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 Freeport, Bahamas – “Today’s announcement by the government epitomizes
the good that can be accomplished through strategic partnerships,”
stated Ian Fair, Chairman, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited
(GBPA) who welcomed the signing of a heads of agreement between the
Government, Hutchison Lucaya Limited and Canadian-based Sunwing Travel
Group Inc. for management of the Reef Village at the Grand Lucayan
Resort.
With Sunwing’s leasing of the 500 room hotel, planned upgrades to the
hotel and casino, and introduction of airlift from the Toronto area
along with its related marketing, hundreds of jobs are expected to
become available for residents of Grand Bahama Island.
Describing the Sunwing Group as a ‘total package of tourism services’,
i.e. hotel, tour operation and airline management, Port Authority
officials are excited at the potential to tap into the North American
market, especially on the eve of the winter season when many Canadians
seek warm vacation destinations. “This tourism related project with its
various synchronized components will have a significant impact on the
local economy,” Fair added. “In harmony with the Ministry of Tourism’s
vision to increase the number of ‘heads in beds’, such concerted efforts
will definitely contribute to an increase in our stop-over visitors,
with positive results for hoteliers and so many other sectors such as
the airport, restaurants, tour operators, taxi drivers, straw and
souvenir vendors, entertainers, car rentals and so on.”
Alluding to cooperation between the government, Hutchison and GBPA, Fair
stated that the ongoing success of such partnerships will continue to
create benefits for Grand Bahama’s residents and improve its economic
environment.
Today’s Reef Village signing follows closely on the recent opening of
Solomon’s at the Seahorse Shopping Plaza, a $4M investment which created
60 jobs; and last week’s opening of Grand Bahama’s first indoor mall
and food court, offering employment for an additional 150 residents.
"There is clearly a positive trend developing on Grand Bahama, which
augers well for the future," Fair concluded.
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
