The approval of plans to redevelop the Ariel Sands Resort in Devonshire has been hailed as progress towards the tourism industry’s revitalisation.

The plans for the South Shore site, which include a 33-room hotel, 21 villas and a 30-unit condominium building – all zoned for tourism – were given the green light by the Development Applications Board last week.

Charles Jeffers II, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said yesterday: “The BTA welcomes positive news about new accommodations and increased hotel inventory which contributes towards regaining 2019 tourism levels, and helps to restore lost airlift.”

Vance Campbell, the Minister of Tourism, praised the news as positive for the future of Bermuda tourism.

He said: “The addition of another accommodation option for visitors is a welcomed development.

“The proposed mix of hotel rooms, villas and condominium units has the potential to encourage longer stays and increased economic activity for Bermuda.

“As this week’s S&P Ratings Report indicated, we expect growth over the next several years will continue to benefit from the expansion in the international financial sector and a pick-up in tourism.

“This news is another positive signal to investors in Bermuda.”

The project developers had not replied by press time to questions from The Royal Gazette on likely start dates and the cost of the development.