Caribbean hotel sites office in Hong Kong to boost sales

Baha Mar, the US$3.5 billion Bahamas resort complex is leveraging its Asian connections with the opening of an office in Hong Kong.

NASSAU, Bahamas, Thursday October 7, 2011 - The developers of the Baha Mar resort set a first within the Caribbean hospitality industry by establishing a number of unprecedented multi-million dollar partnerships with Chinese state agencies to propel the success of the large-scale resort with a price tag of US$3.5 billion.

Now, the developers have gone one step further, taking the brand directly to the Chinese market by establishing offices in Hong Kong’s prestigious International Finance Centre.

"Our expansion into Asia, and particularly into China, is further evidence of our commitment to the region and the strengthening of our unique and valuable relationships with our Chinese partners," stated Richard English, senior vice president for Baha Mar, while in Hong Kong to finalize details surrounding the office.

"A physical presence in Hong Kong allows us to more efficiently support marketing efforts in the region, promote The Bahamas in general and our project in particular," English said.

The Chinese partnerships with Baha Mar include the Export-Import Bank of China (Ex-Im Bank), which lends almost exclusively to governments and financial institutions; and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), China's largest construction company with total assets of approximately US$43 billion.

Officials from the CSCEC have stated that they believe Baha Mar will be the pinnacle of the construction company’s achievements to date, and indicative of its finest work.

The 1,000-acre, resort, gaming and entertainment complex is slated to open in late 2014, and will boast some of the world's most famous hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as a Casino Hotel, creating 2,250 new rooms. Baha Mar's 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and developers are touting it as “the only true gaming experience outside Las Vegas”.

Baha Mar will also feature the largest convention centre in The Bahamas, with 200,000 square feet of space, which can also double as an entertainment venue and sports arena.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts and crafts, chef-branded restaurants and entertainment venues. A 20-acre Eco Water Park and pool experience, and three unique spas, including the largest spa in the Caribbean. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, and will be the only true championship course in The Bahamas. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)