This alliance would raise the profile of the 276-room Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in core US markets and capitalise on an already-established Italian segment.
Ettore Colussi, president and founder of Viva All Inclusive Resorts, said Phase I of a $2 million renovation was completed at the Grand Bahama all-inclusive resort just in time for a strong holiday season. The hotel achieved 100 per cent occupancy levels for the weeks surrounding the Christmas and New Year period, with room rates averaging about $100 per night.
In common with much of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Club Fortuna struggled for most of 2003, but with its renovation and coming off a strong Christmas period, Mr Colussi yesterday said he anticipated steady growth in 2004, with increases in both the occupancy levels and room rates.
Under the 10-year partnership agreement, finalised in early December, Vivaﾹs seven properties, including resorts in the Bahamas, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, have been re-branded as Viva Wyndham Resorts and incorporated into the Wyndham portfolio. Of all the Viva properties, Fortuna Beach has the greatest share of US visitors. Rich Cortese, vice-president of Wyndham International for the Caribbean, said 2003 had been an outstanding year for the Wyndham brand as far as occupancy levels and room rates were concerned.
Although properties in the Bahamas, including the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, were still faced with a possible strike by hotel workers, most saw improved numbers during the Christmas period. However compared to other Caribbean destinations, it appeared the Bahamas fell somewhat short of the general performance.
Mr Cortese said that, generally speaking, for Wyndhamﾹs properties in the Caribbean last year had begun well, but they experienced a downturn during the summer and early autumn months, which was followed by a resurgence in numbers for the last period of 2003. He added that Aruba and Jamaica, both competing destinations for the Bahamas, showed the best numbers of all Wyndham properties in the region for the Christmas period.
The partnership with Viva for Club Fortuna promises to be a beneficial one, as the all-inclusive Italian-based resort already has a strong following in the European market, and with the Wyndham partnership is aiming to broaden its presence in the US market.
By Yolanda Deleveaux, Tribune Business Reporter at the Caribbean Marketplace
Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico
