Grand Lucayan’s Lighthouse Pointe to reopen March 25

The Grand Lucayan resort will now reopen its Lighthouse Pointe resort on March 25, Chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Michael Scott, QC announced yesterday.

The hotel was supposed to open on February 1 after being closed last March ahead of the signing of a heads of agreement for its sale to Royal Caribbean International (RCL) and the ITM Group.

Speaking to the announcement yesterday, Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said he doesn’t expect high bookings when the hotel reopens next month.

“It takes a while to get your reservation system back up and running. I think while there probably are bookings, it’s probably not significant because if any other hotel is to go by most hotels, especially the larger hotels, they are running in the low double digits occupancy. If you look at our three key markets – the United States, Canada and Europe – there’s no way to get to The Bahamas from Europe unless you come on a private plane,” he told Guardian Business.

“And if you’re a European you’re not allowed to go to the United States and we don’t have any non-stop flights because the United Kingdom has their citizenry in a virtual lockdown. They’re discouraging travel to the point where British Airways doesn’t think it would be cost effective to run a flight to The Bahamas.

“Then you’ve got Canada, which says no flights from Canada to the Caribbean are going to operate until April 30 at the earliest. There’s a ban on all flights from Canada to the Caribbean, imposed by the Canadian government. So that only leaves the United States, and I have to say, the recent decision to impose a COVID-19 test has unsettled some travelers.”

D’Aguilar could not say how many of Lighthouse Pointe’s approximately 200 employees will be called back to work once the resort reopens.

However in a statement released yesterday, Scott said he was thrilled the resort would soon again serve guests.

“We are delighted to welcome back our many legacy guests after 12 months of coronavirus-induced closure and to all, we say, we are back,” he said.

“On behalf of myself and the board of directors, we are truly thrilled to welcome you once again to our world-class resort. The added safety and security protocols and features will assure you a safe and happy experience, giving you the peace and serenity our resort offers, as well as lure you into indulging in our many amenities and experiences; whether it be lounging on the beach, spearfishing, golf, the magnet of deep-sea fishing or just simply exploring the beautiful Island of Grand Bahama.”

The announcement comes as the government tries to finalize the sale of the Grand Lucayan, which it purchased in August 2018 for $65 million.

D’Aguilar has said the deal being negotiated now is not the same as the one entered into before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this week, he said a consulting arm of KPMG was looking over the transaction to determine if there are areas that need tightening up, or if there was “anything glaring” missed.

D’Aguilar added the government is very close to finalizing the deal.

In addition to reopening the 196-room hotel, Lighthouse Pointe will also resume its Portobello’s, Pizzeria Capri, Aroma Café and Waves Bar & Grill restaurants, as well as its Senses Spa & Fitness Center, convention center and wedding gazebos.

“To help safeguard both guests and staff members, Grand Lucayan implemented advanced safety protocols and best practices in response to COVID-19. Upon returning, all staff members will be administered daily temperature checks, required to complete extensive trainings on precautions and preparedness and will wear personal protective equipment while on site,” the statement noted.

“In addition, social distancing guidelines and signage will be established throughout the property; touchless hand-sanitizing stations will be readily available, and public spaces will frequently be disinfected.”

The post Grand Lucayan’s Lighthouse Pointe to reopen March 25 appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/grand-lucayans-lighthouse-pointe-to-reopen-march-25/