NASSAU. Bahamas, CMC – Prime Minister Phillip Davis has welcomed the reopening of the British Colonial Hotel here, saying that with record numbers of tourists arriving in The Bahamas, the country is “desperately” in need of more rooms to accommodate them.
He told the ceremony that introducing new direct flights from Seattle with Alaska Airlines and Los Angeles with Jet Blue marks a significant milestone in the country’s tourism journey.
“These new routes signify our expanding reach and the growing interest in the unique allure of The Bahamas. We are not just connecting destinations; we are weaving together the stories and experiences of people from diverse cultures.
“And so, as we witness growth from these new markets, the reopening of the British Colonial Hotel comes at a crucial time. But there is also the broader context of national development,” Davis said.
Hotel officials said the 228-room facility underwent multi-million dollar renovations following its indefinite closure in February 2022. The hotel is owned by China Construction America (CCA), which acquired the property back in October 2014
Davis said the partnership with CCA in restoring the British Colonial Hotel “is not just a collaboration, but a significant contribution to the economic development of The Bahamas.”
He said that the CCA’s commitment and expertise helped restore this iconic building into a modern landmark while respecting its rich heritage.
“This partnership symbolizes a bridge between nations, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. CCA’s investment also expresses continued confidence in the Bahamian economy.
“They see potential in what we are doing today, and in the future, we are charting. We are grateful for that confidence and thank them as we look forward to an even stronger partnership in the years ahead,” he said.
Davis said there is no doubt an irony in that, as the country celebrates 50 years of political Independence, “we are also celebrating the reopening of the ‘British Colonial Hotel.’
“But the meaning within the imperial legacy of that name has changed. It now signals the grand tradition of what tourism was automatically once assumed to be: travel to unknown places in the hope of pursuing adventure, luxury, style, and comfort.”
He said that he knows that the 21st-century owners of this property similarly share these aspirations.
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