The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), in partnership with Royal Caribbean International, hosted a power brunch aboard the cruise line’s Utopia of the Seas on September 10th at the Nassau Cruise Port.
The event drew dozens of attendees and provided an update on Royal Caribbean’s $100 million Royal Beach Club Paradise Island project. The 17-acre destination is set to commence construction this month and open in late 2025. The facility will accommodate an average of about 2,500 guests daily and promises a unique beach and pool experience, with multiple opportunities for Bahamian business participation.
Dr. Leo Rolle, the BCCEC Chief Executive, stressed the importance of such engaging discussions to ensure all voices are heard and encouraged attendees to actively participate and leverage networking opportunities.
Russell Benford, Vice President of Government Relations, Americas for Royal Caribbean Group, also welcomed attendees, and Dr. Kenneth Romer discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cruise industry. Dr. Romer noted that The Bahamas, as a destination, is experiencing record-shattering visitor arrivals from both cruise and air stopover visitors, though he acknowledged that further progress is needed.
Ian Ferguson, Executive Director of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), outlined the Tourism Development Corporation’s role in partnering with agencies to support SMEs in the tourism sector, aiming for strategic and sustainable development.
Philip Simon, President of the Royal Beach Club development and General Manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas, which represents RCI’s other interests in The Bahamas, provided attendees with details about the Royal Beach Club’s planned opening in late 2025, with construction set to commence in September 2024.
Mr. Simon said: “We call it the ultimate pool and beach day. That’s it. That’s what we are selling. It’s not a resort.”
He added: “We have every intention of making this site look and feel as Bahamian as possible.”
Mr. Simon noted that ninety-five percent of the site demolition phase is completed, with the site being cleared of debris and the demolition of large, abandoned, and decaying structures. More than 1,200 native and horticultural species of trees and plants have been relocated to a nursery until replanting, and all non-native and invasive plants have been removed.
Archventure has been selected as the architecture firm, JJS Consulting as the environmental consultant, Island Site Development as the civil engineering and roadwork development company, SEV Consulting Group will lead the onsite environmental monitoring, and WEMCO Security has been engaged as the full-service security firm.
The project is currently seeking to fill the posts of General Manager and Director of Finance within the next two months. The Director of Finance will play a key role as the company progresses towards the equity stage, with opportunities for shares in the venture.
“I think it will be an excellent opportunity for those who want shares in something that we have every intention of making very successful,” said Mr. Simon.
Mr. Simon also noted that requests for proposals for numerous opportunities to allow Bahamian businesses to participate in the project will commence in the first quarter of 2025.
Samantha Rolle from the SBDC highlighted the organization’s 6th anniversary and its mission to empower Bahamian entrepreneurs.
“The partnership with Royal Caribbean has been transformative. Through the Kickstarter program, over $370,000 in funding has been provided to 51 entrepreneurs in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Berry Islands, along with essential training. Through the Royal Caribbean and Kickstarter programs, we have provided not just funding but also vital training to over 120 entrepreneurs in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Berry Islands. Together, we have pooled our resources to provide a total of over $370,000 in funding or capital to 51 entrepreneurs through both loan and grant funding. The real magic happens with training, which was specially designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive tourism sector.”
Ms. Rolle also highlighted the profound impact of the program on one entrepreneur, Jada Miller, owner of J Adriel Designs, who credited the program with helping to expand her business and increase its reach. To date, the SBDC has served over 10,000 clients, funded over 2,300 businesses, and facilitated over $89 million in funding.
Don Williams, BCCEC Vice Chairman, stressed that the BCCEC is an advocacy organization for all businesses, small, medium-sized, and large. He noted the National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce, a one-day event, is set to take place on October 4th. The event will bring together the various Chamber of Commerce representatives from across the county focus on trade missions to various markets, with planned trips to China, Morocco, Canada, India, Kuwait, London, and Panama.
View the event photo album here >>> https://bccec-power-brunch-w.thebahamaschamber.com/
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