By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Warwick Paradise Island resort expects occupancy levels will continue climbing following last week’s official opening, with executives telling this newspaper: “The hotel has come a long way”.

Lorenzo ‘TC’ Symonette, the all-inclusive property’s manager, told Tribune Business: “Things are looking very good. In October last year we had an introductory-type opening, and now we have opened the hotel officially to the world.

“Warwick Paradise Island has come alive now and we expect great things. The hotel has come a long way. It’s a completely brand new hotel operating 250 rooms, five restaurants and two bars. We’re excited about our new spa programme that has come online. Our food and beverage offering is exceptional.”

Richard Chiu, the Hong Kong-born president and founder of the Warwick Hotels and Resorts Group, told this newspaper last November that “just short of $50 million” had been invested in upgrading the property, formerly the Paradise Island Harbour Resort, which was purchased from Lehman Brothers Holdings and Driftwood Hospitality Management (via Gemwood Paradise Ltd) during a 2012 auction. The Warwick Hotels and Resorts Group now has a collection of 53 hotels with close to 9,000 rooms worldwide.

Mr Symonette said the resort’s occupancies are in the 60-65 per cent range currently, and climbing. “Our occupancy is now in the neighbourhood of 60-65 per cent and climbing,” he said.

“We held some of it back because to do a grand opening and have a full house would be cumbersome. Currently, we have in the neighborhood of 165 employees.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie said the hotel has hired 40-50 core managerial employees via a subsidiary, and “entered into an outsourcing arrangement with HR Business Solutions and Marketing Company for the hiring of 125 line staff on the property.

“They have been partnering with the Ministry of Labour and National Training Agency to ensure that employees are trained and able to deliver levels of service representative of the brand.”

The hotel’s 250 rooms are spread across 12 floors. Apart from five dining options and two bars, the resort has a fully equipped fitness centre, entertainment and activities, an onsite gift shop and tour desk offering sightseeing options.