US$15 Million for improvements of Cable and Nassau Beach operations

BAHA MAR TAKES OVER NASSAU CASINOS

Baha Mar Development Company Ltd. today announced that it has taken over the management and operation of the Radisson Cable Beach Resort, the Nassau Beach Hotel, and the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino. The three properties, located adjacent to one another along 3,000 feet of Nassau's largest and most beautiful beach, will be consolidated into one single mega resort complex to turn the properties into the second largest resort in the Caribbean.

Michael Sansbury, Executive Vice President, Baha Mar Development Company Ltd., stated: "Capital improvements of US$15 million are already underway with minimal inconveniences to guests. It will be business as usual, but with a major plus. We are single-mindedly committed to taking these resorts and creating a product and guest experience with much improved standards and upgraded service. For the first time, visitors will have access to an exciting array of cross-property amenity and service privileges. As of today, guests can enjoy beach, golf and tennis entitlements at all three properties."

Sansbury also revealed optimism for a smooth and uninterrupted transition for both employees and guests of the properties. The resorts will retain their existing flags, and togther will now offer guests and visitors 1,941 guest rooms and suites, most offering incredible ocean views; a 35,000 square foot full-service casino; over 50,000 square feet of meeting space; 20 food and beverage facilities; a complete tennis facility; an 18-hole resort golf course; over a half mile of Nassau's best beach; and a variety of water sport activities. In addition, the Cable Beach resorts are conveniently located within 20 minutes of the airport.

The US$15 million in capital improvements, which are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will include a full renovation of the casino, enhancements to landscaping, lobby improvements, 675 newly decorated rooms, as well as restaurants and meetings facility refurbishments and upgrades. Operational and staff training plans are also scheduled.

The revitalization of the Cable Beach properties is the prelude to a Baha Mar mega resort. "This is an historic moment for our company and for the entire Bahamian tourism industry," said Robert Heller, President and Chief Financial Officer,"Baha Mar will have an enormous impact on the Bahamian economy by creating thousands of jobs in both construction and operations."

Heller added: "In fact, our $1.2 billion investment in Phase One represents the single largest investment in the history of the Bahamas as we look forward to creating a one-in-the-world resort that will include 2,700 hotel rooms across multiple properties, each with its own brand and distinct character. Baha Mar will feature the largest casino in the Caribbean, and countless amenities and 'must-see', 'must-do' experiences designed for our hotel guests, as well as to attract cruise arrivals and Bahamians."

Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Director-General, of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism,said: "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Nassau's tourism product. The excellent ideas and improvements that the new owner is bringing to the island will greatly enhance our efforts to make the destination the most popular in the Caribbean region." The three properties were purchased by Baha Mar Development Company in March 2005 from the government-owned Bahamas Hotel Corporation and La Vegas developer Philip Ruffin. (E-05.06.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage