Project estimated to generate US$1 billion for Bahamas over 10 years

The Bahamas is looking to cash in on the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Royal Beach Club project, which is expected to bring in millions in foreign exchange each year while employing as many as 250 locals during the construction and operational phase.

The much-heralded project, which is located on the western end of Paradise Island, is estimated to bring into the country about US$100 million per year over 10 years, employing 250 Bahamians for construction and operations. RCI hopes to open the beach club by 2023.

When completed, the property will be able to accommodate 3,500 visitors with RCI stating that, “the goal is to make Nassau (Bahamas capital) the highest-rated and most sought-after destination for Royal Caribbean guests”.

‘Millions of dollars in annual contracts’

According to RCI, the US$1 billion that will be directed into the country over 10 years will be as a result of guest spending, government taxes and other expenditures.

A fact sheet on the project seen by Guardian Business stated that over the life of the beach club, there will be “millions of dollars in annual contracts to Bahamian businesses, including those for shore excursions, logistics, environmental services, security, beach and sports rental equipment, warehousing, water-taxi services and waste management, to name a few.”

Fact sheet about the US$ multi-million project

The fact sheet stated that Bahamians will be welcomed to visit the beach club, but only when RCI’s ships are not in port. “Bahamian residents, their families and friends will enjoy amenities at reduced rates when ships are not on scheduled visits,” the fact sheet stated.

Interestingly, part of the property on which RCI plans to build its beach club is embroiled in a court battle. According to the Guardian Business, Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club Company. Ltd. (PILBC) has proposed plans to transform the westernmost portion of Paradise Island – which contains an historic lighthouse – into a beach club.

PILBC developer, Toby Smith has been fighting to get his low-density beach club off the ground for eight years, but now has a fight on his hands to get just some of the sandy beach area on the western side of Paradise Island, which is at a premium on the mostly rock coastline.

RCI has purchased myriad properties on the western side of Paradise Island in preparation for its project. RCI revealed it plans to engage Bahamian entrepreneurs to create businesses for the beach club and employ Bahamian entertainers and artists to showcase the country’s history and culture