A $4.4 million renovation of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina will hopefully capitalize on Bimini's growing eco-tourism market while simultaneously expanding its appeal beyond traditional fishing and diving attraction, according to the resort's manager. In a correspondence with Guardian Business, Horizon Hotel Group (HHG) President James Gould stated the extensive renovations would help give the resort a "breakout year" in 2016 as Bimini vies for increased visitor numbers.
"The resort was okay but we definitely see potential to improve and that is one reason we are doing the renovation. We are a fishing and dive resort and play off the two and the eco-tourism in the area. Our goal is to build a broader base of clientele. We are looking to attract groups to the resort that would be interested in what Bimini has to offer other than the diving and fishing."
Gould said that HHG hopes to complete "as much work as possible" by the end of May to complete the first wave of renovations, which includes an overhaul of one of its docks, renovations to its dive boat, a new pool and a renovated restaurant space. The next phase of renovations will involve repairing an addition dock and the resort's seawall from September to November.
"We expect this to be a transition year for the resort and expect 2016 to be a breakout year for us after the renovation. Tourism is growing in Bimini due to the addition of Resorts World Bimini and the Superfast. With these developments more people are learning about Bimini and Bimini Big Game Club can benefit greatly from this. The island is expanding the [airport] runway to be able to land bigger planes that will increase the amount of people able to fly to Bimini."
Representatives of resort owners the Hankey Group of Companies (HGC) announced last month that the resort would receive a $4.4 million renovation. The 51-room Bimini Big Game Club was purchased and re-opened by the Hankey Group of Companies in 2010 and underwent a $3.5 million renovation that included the addition of new guest rooms, the Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, Hemingway Rum Bar & Social Lounge and the Outfitter Shop.
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