NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Sandals Resorts International’s $100 million investment to transform its Emerald Bay Resort into Beaches Exuma demonstrates the company’s commitment to the destination and is expected to positively impact the island’s economy in the long term, according to Pedro Rolle, President of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce.
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) yesterday announced the acceleration of plans to expand the family-friendly Beaches Resorts brand with the development of Beaches Exuma, its fourth resort and the first Beaches in The Bahamas. To make this new resort possible and as part of a coordinated growth plan across the Sandals and Beaches Resorts portfolio, Sandals Emerald Bay will close on August 15, 2024, and undergo a transformation anticipated to begin in Fall 2024 before reopening as the new Beaches Exuma.
“Exuma was made for families, and with more than 6,000 feet of shoreline, the new Beaches Exuma will be a gateway to discovering the incomparable beauty of this part of The Bahamas,” stated Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International in a statement.
“At the core of every great family vacation is the creation of memories so magical they last a lifetime. For more than two decades, I’ve cherished every moment I’ve spent together with my family along the lively shores of Exuma, where my children have grown up among one of nature’s most inspiring playgrounds — from swimming pigs, majestic sea turtles, sandbars, and so much more,” Stewart continued.
Pedro Rolle, President of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce, said: “Sandals is making, I think, a valiant effort to try and redeploy the displaced workers. There are going to be some folks who fall somewhere in the middle. That’s going to be a pretty long time for them to be without jobs and full compensation. As an economy, hopefully, Exuma will become a better economy in a year or so. That’s the pros and cons of it. I think this demonstrates that it’s proof positive that this investment in Exuma is doing well. I guess from a business perspective, you look at how you become more efficient and profitable. This is a huge financial commitment. I think it demonstrates their commitment to further investment. It’s a positive in the long term. In the business world, a year isn’t a long time, but that’s another story for a person who may be out of a job.”
Rolle added: “I think going to destinations like the family islands, it’s more natural environment for families. The family islands represent a better environment for families, and children, and targeted fun activities. I think Sandals noticed that over the years, even though they were doing well, and that the Beaches brand would do so much better in a place like Exuma.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper said in a statement that the new Beaches Exuma will employ 850 people and be a much larger resort that will sit on the same property.
“During this redevelopment, the resort will be temporarily closed, beginning on the 15th of August. We anticipate the construction phase will last for six to eight months. Sandals has assured the government that the temporary closure is necessary to protect the safety of staff and visitors while the property undergoes significant renovation. It is projected that the construction phase will generate 400 jobs and that the construction and renovations will produce other opportunities for local contractors and businesses on the island,” said Cooper, MP for Exuma and Ragged Island.
He added: “Though our island will experience a temporary disruption, the investment is a significant one for our community. Exuma has seen substantial economic growth in the last several years, with virtually all Exumians who want to work able to find an opportunity to do so. Beaches Exuma will add to our island’s success, employing more than 850 people and significantly boosting local employment and family-focused entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Currently, some 425 Bahamians are employed at Sandals Emerald Bay, approximately 200 of whom hail from Exuma. During the temporary closure, dozens of employees will be retained to secure and manage the facility. Efforts will be made to redeploy as many workers as possible to other Sandals properties. A Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair will be held on August 9th for residents of Exuma, featuring representatives from all existing hotels and new developers.
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