BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Sir Jack Hayward, principal owner of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said the opening of a 500-room resort would be the beginning of a “new era” for tourism in Freeport.

Sir Jack was among a number of prominent persons invited to the Grand Lucaya Resort on Wednesday evening for a major announcement about plans for the opening of a five-star hotel at the Reef Village property in Lucaya.

“I am very excited,” Sir Jack said. “It is a new day, a new era for Grand Bahama tourism and the Grand Bahama economy.

“The opening of a derelict hotel and refurbishing, the employment of people, and a new era for the casino – I couldn’t be more excited. I think it is a wonderful start for a new tourism era in Freeport.”

The government, Hutchison Whampoa, and the Sunwing Travel Group signed letters of intent and memoranda of understanding in respect to a major partnership arrangement that will cause the opening of a five star hotel, additional airlift to the island, and a new casino at Lucaya.

One thousand new permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs are expected to be created for Bahamians.

During his announcement, Prime Minister Perry Christie also revealed that a new casino operator would take over the casino in Lucaya.

Treasure Bay, which is currently the operator, will extend its operation of the casino until January 2013.

According to Mr Christie, plans are for a replacement operator to take over the management of a smaller, refurbished and more exciting casino.

He also noted that two speciality restaurants and a wedding centre will surround the gaming area.

“It intends to be a new tourism offering that Sunwing will put in place in partnering with the new casino operator,” the prime minister said.

Mr Christie noted that Hutchison would provide certain discounts at its airport and port facilities to Sunwing in support of its flights and hotel operations.

Sir Jack expressed his excitement about plans for increased airlift to the island. He believes it could have some influence on the re-opening of the Royal Oasis Resort.

“When the speeches were being made I was thinking how important it is getting the Royal Oasis open, and probably this would inspire them. If airlift is coming in, as we’re promised, it could inspire them to open that up,” he said.

The prime minister has indicated that the Grand Lucayan and Sunwing will team up and become major players in a revitalised GB Island Promotion Board.

He also noted that government, through the Ministry of Tourism, will incentivise the foregoing arrangements and provide financial support to Sunwing and Hutchison, which will also benefit other hotels, the tourism sector and the economy of Grand Bahama.

Mr Christie expressed his gratitude to Sunwing for “the confidence which they are manifesting in investing in and allocating so much of their resources” to Grand Bahama.

“We look forward to a profitable, long-lasting partnership that will yield positive results in turning Grand Bahama into an exciting and thriving destination,” he said.