By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Cat Island resort owner yesterday said the island is enjoying a “surge” in economic activity and tourism, with his property fully booked for the Independence Day weekend.

Vince McDonald, owner of Curly's Beach Resort, said the holiday weekend has generated strong demand, with every room at the beachfront property booked as Bahamians prepare to celebrate the country's 53rd Independence.

Speaking to Tribune Business, he said infrastructure works and growing visitor demand is fuelling optimism for the destination "It's awesome. Cat Island is really on a surge right now," said Mr McDonald. 

"There's a lot of activity across the island. The roadworks and other infrastructure projects that started before the election have continued, and all of that has helped generate more economic activity and renewed confidence.

"We're fully booked for the Independence Day weekend, which is very encouraging. Demand has been strong, and it's great to see so many people choosing Cat Island for the holiday."

Buoyed by the increase in visitor demand, Mr McDonald said the resort is already preparing for its next phase of growth, with expansion expected to begin before the end of the summer.

"If everything stays on track, we're hoping to begin our expansion before the end of the summer," he said. "Demand has been strong enough that we feel it's the right time to grow." The expansion will increase the resort's accommodation capacity while adding new amenities designed to encourage longer stays and enhance the guest experience.

"The plan is to add more rooms so we can welcome more visitors," Mr McDonald said. "We're also looking to expand the activities we offer, build two additional beach bars and add an infinity pool. We want to continue improving the experience for our guests and give them even more reasons to visit Cat Island."

Mr McDonald said the planned investment reflects his confidence that the island's tourism sector is continuing to gain momentum.

"We're investing because we believe in Cat Island," he said. "The island has tremendous potential, and we're seeing more people discover what it has to offer."

Curly's Beach Resort opened last year after Mr McDonald invested about $3.4m to acquire and renovate the former Sammy T's Beach Resort in Bennett's Harbour, a property that had been shuttered for more than a decade.

The resort's first phase comprised seven villas, a restaurant and a beach club, and was launched with the aim of helping strengthen Cat Island's tourism product while restoring a long-dormant beachfront property

Mr McDonald said the current level of demand, particularly for holiday weekends, suggests those investments are beginning to pay dividends as more visitors choose Cat Island for both short getaways and extended stays.