The return of Air Canada, previously announced for November 1, has been rescheduled, reportedly to the first week in December.
This delay is a source of disappointment, since the Administration has been counting on the return of international flights to boost the tourism sector, which has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority, Colin James, admits that the virus is a real deterrent for people wanting to come hereon vacation. In addition to the challenge of generating bookings,“Canada still has a 14-day mandatory quarantine” when citizens return, he says.
On top of that, James acknowledges that the worldwide spike in infections has put a damper on consumer confidence.
In the meantime, sources confirm that Sunwing is still expected to resume service on November 29, to coincide with the reopening of the Royalton Resort to Canadian visitors.
The airline will not be bringing any tourists for Jolly Beach Resort, since its management contract with Blue Diamond was not renewed.
The Halycon Hotel, formerly managed by Blue Diamond, as well,remains closed. It was shut down just ahead of the pandemic, ostensibly for an $80 million renovation, which, apparently, is now on pause.
In the interim, Halcyon continues to serve as Government’s quarantine facility.
Meanwhile, negotiations on the sale of Jolly Beach continue between the Government and the WINN Group. Reportedly, the Group will acquire the property for the US$40 million tag at which it has been assessed, and a slew of concessions has already been granted to the investors by the Gaston Browne Administration.
A source tells Trumpet News the sale of Jolly Beach is expected to be twinned with the purchase of a former casino building at Jolly Harbour, since the WINN Group specializes in organizing junkets for gambling holidays.
The ownership of the defunct casino could not be ascertained, although residents of Jolly Harbour claim it belongs to the relative of a Cabinet member.
In the meantime, employees of Jolly Beach say they await word on a December reopening from the Board of Directors. However, if the sale of the property goes through, they say they have not been told who will pay their severance or when it would be paid.
