Theo: Resorts’ planned
expansions show of
confidence in St. Maarten
PHILIPSBURG--The recent announcements by Pelican Resort and Caravanserai Beach Resort that they intend to expand their properties demonstrate that these investors “have confidence in our long-term future as a sustainable autonomous country within the Kingdom,” Commissioner responsible for Tourism and Economic Affairs Theo Heyliger said Wednesday.
The two resorts announced their planned investments during the last week and these investments should result in adding 230 rooms to the island’s hotel room inventory.
Pelican Resort plans to construct 80 five-star quality timeshare units by mid-2005 while Caravanserai Beach Resort is to add 150 ocean view rooms, an investment of approximately US $10 million.
“This once again demonstrates confidence in St. Maarten, confidence in the people of St. Maarten and our nation’s economy. I must also say that these investors also have confidence in our long-term future as a sustainable autonomous country within the Kingdom,” the Government Information Service (GIS) quoted Heyliger as saying.
He said the expansion of rooms in the hotel sector increased St. Maarten’s room capacity and at the same time sent a strong message to the travel trade that room capacity was increasing once again.
This, he added, “helps out with respect to tour operators that would like to sell the island and airlines that would like to fly here.
He said, “Between current rooms under construction and an additional 230 within the next 24 months, our capacity is growing, which is a very positive and significant development, (for) jobs will be created (and) business will be generated for construction firms and suppliers of building materials.”
