FREEPORT, Bahamas — After spending $4 million to renovate 48 of its suites, Pelican Bay Resort hosted a reception at the property on Friday and allowed specially invited guests to tour the rooms, The Nassau Guardian reported on Tuesday, January 31, in an article written by Barbara Walkin.
Among the officials present were Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey.
“With these renovations done, 75 percent of our rooms [were] renovated in the last five years,” said Pelican Bay’s General Manager Magnus Alnebeck.
“The rooms have been refurbished from top to bottom with all new appliances, furnishings and more, and nearly all of them are already occupied.”
The canal-front, independent up-market boutique hotel features 183 units.
Pelican Bay was purchased by Wundt AS, a private investment company based in Norway, and Alnebeck was appointed as GM in March 2005.
Alnebeck said the resort has weathered many storms and stayed open.
“We don’t close down at Pelican Bay,” he said. “We have stayed open in Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Dorian and we have stayed open during COVID. Pelican Bay does not receive any government subsidy and we still keep on going and going.
“That’s how we operate and we are very proud of the reputation that we’ve gained.”
Alnebeck noted that it is with the support of the Grand Bahama community and residents in the wider Bahamas that the property has survived.
“We appreciate you because, without you, this place would be closed,” he said.
Alnebeck thanked Cooper for his support and encouraged him to see how quickly he could get the neighboring property (Grand Lucayan hotel) sold and operational.
“We need it open,” Alnebeck said.
A deal between the government and Electra American Hospitality Group for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan fell through last year. The government is now seeking another buyer for the property.
“We are working diligently to secure the right partner for the neighboring hotel,” said Cooper, as he addressed the guests.
“But I am delighted, Magnus, that you’ve renovated the 48 suites and I understand 24 of them are going to be extended stays.
“This is good news, because we hope to relaunch Grand Bahama as an innovation product, with the hope of attracting ‘techies’ to the island who might decide to make it their home for several months at a time.
“We hope to begin this process next week as we visit Canada and talk about tech-tourism. I hope Pelican Bay will be the beneficiary of many of these extended stays.” See complete article in the Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/pelican-bay-resort-unveils-latest-upgrade/?fbclid=IwAR2MDnqvMT6u-__Z3FyS_wQnztd0giszO3nkhVglbXaMLMTZuZR2t-3DLY8
