A Resorts World Bimini (RWB) official has welcomed the completion of the first phase of its port facility, stating that the new services offered will have a significant impact on business and the island's economy.
RWB Director of Public Affairs Michelle Malcolm stated that visitor numbers are expected to rise sharply following the completion of a controversial ferry terminal in North Bimini.
"During the first three months of operation, we brought more than 40,000 visitors to the island, which represented some 80 percent of the annual 50,000 visitors that the island attracted prior to our arrival. Our hope is to return to those numbers, which will positively impact the economy on Bimini both directly and indirectly," said Malcolm.
She outlined a host of developments as RWB moves into its next phase, including a South Bimini airport and watersports facilities, aimed at further increasing the island's profile.
"Construction on our luxury marina hotel is progressing well. Our hotel will blend the intimacy and exclusivity of Bimini with top-of-the-line accommodations, and we are on target for an early opening date. Meanwhile, work also continues on the upgrade and expansion of the South Bimini airport.
"We will also continue to deliver the second and third phase of the port at Resorts World Bimini, which will include a permanent customs and immigration facility, as well as the development of a beach experience with a beach bar, watersports activities and a craft market at the end of the pier.
The North Bimini Ferry Terminal has been steeped in controversy since construction began in May this year. Environmentalists and concerned citizens have repeatedly challenged the development over fear that it would irreparably damage the surrounding marine environment and the island's fishing and diving industries.
Despite these concerns, Malcolm noted that RWB continued to see a steady increase in visitors through both ferry and private yacht traffic as it wound down the first phase of the resort.
"Business has been very positive. We have seen a steady increase in visitor demand... The casino continues to bring in robust business and, as the home to the largest marina in The Bahamas with more than 200 slips, we are attracting boaters at a consistently high level."
Malcolm claimed that RWB, the largest employer in Bimini, is still hiring Bahamians "on a daily basis" and would soon launch further recruitment initiatives before the end of the year to accommodate the increased visitor demand at the resort.
"We continue to hire Bahamians to fill current positions for the resort on a daily basis. The recruitment initiatives for the new hotel are in progress and several job fairs are being scheduled for the remainder of the year," she said, noting that the resort is seeking between 200-300 additional employees to supplement RWB's current staff of approximately 450.
RWB earlier revealed a series of new day-trip routes to the resort. Cruises from the Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida will begin on September 18, 2014, while trips from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale will be available from October 14, 2014.

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