Burt: resort ‘a critical expansion of the product in support of tourism industry’
Progress in the development of a South Shore tourist resort shows the “hard work and dedication” of the teams involved, the Premier said.
David Burt led the Cabinet Committee on Economic Development on a visit to the site in Warwick.
He said: “The Bermudiana Beach Resort is poised to become a critical expansion of the product in support of Bermuda’s tourism industry.
“The progress we witnessed today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.”
Mr Burt was joined on the visit by Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, Vance Campbell, the Minister of Tourism and the Cabinet Office, Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, and Paul Martin, the Bermuda Housing Corporation general manager, as well as other officials.
A government spokesman said: “The site visit provided an opportunity to assess the resort's development first-hand and celebrate the efforts to bring this facility to fruition.”
Colonel Burch highlighted the project’s significance for the island’s infrastructure and economy.
He said: “The development of the Bermudiana Beach Resort represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance Bermuda’s tourism sector.
“I commend the teamwork and commitment demonstrated by our construction partners.”
It was first hoped that the resort would welcome guests in July 2020 but the project was said to have been hit by financing hold-ups as well as the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Burt said in February 2022 that the hotel condominium resort, at the site of the former Grand Atlantic apartment complex, was expected to be operational in March this year.
By last August, it was understood that the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which is directing the work, and the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which the complex falls under, agreed an opening date of June 1, 2023.
The global chain’s website indicated today that the property would launch on July 25, 2024.
The Royal Gazette has asked the Government what is the latest anticipated opening date for the resort, as well as what caused any recent delays.