CTL Maritime, an entity of MSC Group, revealed yesterday in a statement that it has entered into an agreement with the Concord Wilshire Group to develop part of the Grand Lucayan complex into a beach club for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
CTL explained that the beach club will be built at the Reef Village, which is part of the Grand Lucayan Resort. Construction will start at the beginning of next week.
MSC said the enhancements of its Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island, located 20 miles south of Bimini; and the development of a new cruise port at Freeport Harbour, along with MSC Beach Club amount to US$1.5 billion in investment, and are expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs.
This is the first announcement of some kind of development at the Grand Lucayan complex since Concord Wilshire Group took control of the property almost one year ago.
The CTL statement said the MSC Beach Club is expected to create “hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction, as well as permanent jobs upon completion”.
“It will create opportunities for skills development, training support and long-term workforce development, contributing to the broader, more significant economic impact of cruise tourism to Grand Bahama,” the statement said.
It will likely be a welcomed announcement for the people of Grand Bahama, especially given that the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan has been years in the making.
Prime Minister Philip Davis called the agreement a “defining moment for Grand Bahama”.
“The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism and investment destination,” Davis said.
“We welcome Concord Wilshire, CTL Maritime, and their partners, and we look ahead with confidence to the jobs, economic activity, and new opportunities this project will bring for Bahamians.”
The development of the Reef Village includes a 20-acre portion of the Grand Lucayan complex, and will expand the destination portfolio offerings of both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, driving increased visitors to Grand Bahama, the statement said.
It explained that CTL Maritime is also responsible for the redevelopment of a new cruise port at Freeport’s harbor, which was recently announced.
“This is designed not only as an infrastructure upgrade, but as a complete destination enhancement, improving the visitor experience while expanding opportunities for Bahamians in commerce, culture, and tourism services,” the statement said.
“When completed, the cruise port will be available to all cruise lines, positioning Freeport as one of the region’s premium cruise gateways and supporting broader national economic growth.”
CTL Maritime is responsible for the recently announced expansion of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
President of CTL Maritime Gianluca Suprani said the beach club is the next phase of the company’s long-term investment strategy in The Bahamas.
“We take a long-term view and when we commit to projects of this nature, we do so with the intention and capability to deliver, focused on creating lasting value for Bahamian communities,” said Suprani.
“When completed, this transformational investment will help to elevate Grand Bahama into one of the region’s most competitive and attractive cruise destinations.”
The statement added: “In line with MSC’s long-standing commitment to respecting and protecting the destinations in which it operates, the development works will commence on 12 April subject to the appropriate environmental and other permits being obtained. All work will be undertaken in a responsible and carefully planned manner, following the appropriate environmental assessments and regulatory processes.”
The company said these initiatives reinforce the MSC’s “confidence in The Bahamas as one of the world’s most important cruise markets and maritime partners”.
