“Grand Bahama is now moving toward its rightful place in the tourism industry. It’s never really focused on tourism as it should, and we have always said that Grand Bahama is one of the islands that could offer so much more,” said Mr Wilchcombe.
Mr Wilchcombe said the new owner of the Royal Oasis, U.S.-based firm World Investments Holdings, has exciting plans for the property. ‘They submitted a tremendous proposal. They have shown how they can develop what will become a destination encompassing the International Bazaar and also the Goombay Park where a multiplicity of activities take place,” said Mr Wilchcombe.
“They have demonstrated that they understand what the market demands, and we do believe that with the proper management structure they can be a leader in Grand Bahama,” he added.
Now that the new deal has been settled after extensive negotiations and after threats of lawsuits from residents of Royal Oasis, he said, “We’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel in Grand Bahama.”
He also said that in the past no government had pushed for the growth of GB’s tourism industry and pointed out that up to the hurricane of 2004, which destroyed the Royal Oasis, there were a total of 4,000 hotel rooms. Mr Wilchcombe believes there is room for expansion.
By: BARRY WILLIAMS, The Nassau Guardian
