The document summarizes recent changes in St. Croix's tourism industry that indicate a bright economic future for the island. Island One Resorts took over management of Chenay Bay Beach Resort in February and plans renovations like remodeling rooms and upgrading amenities. Additionally, Carambola Beach Resort entered into a franchise agreement with Marriott, which will provide national exposure and marketing benefits through the renowned hotel brand. These partnerships aim to increase tourism and investment on St. Croix through property renovations and improved amenities.

1. the restaurant with new equipment mountains and coast:surrounding
and an upgraded menu, renovating the property. .
the bar and deck area, remodeling .Jacques Baheux, general man-
the front desk, paving all the roads agerofthe CarambolaBeach Resort,
on site, pouring concrete sidewalks explained some of the positive
and remodeling the pool and water impacts that such a partnership
services. with Marriott willhave on St. Croix.
Allofthese upgrades are designed "We.will be able to take advan-
to take Chenay Bay to the highest tage of their [Marriott'slnattonal
level of service and amenities on advertising campaigns, as well as
the island. their sales' and marketing por-
"Tourism iswhat we [Island One tals, n said Baheux.
/ St CroixOne )do- hotel,restau- . Baheux also wanted the public
rant and timeshare sales.Webelieve to know that the Carambola
St. Croixto be poisedfora great em- Beach Resort is still under the
nomic revival. Chenay Bay Beach same ownership and only entered
was voted St. Croix's best beach' a franchise agreement with
and soon we will have the hottest Marriott.
bar. W,ewant people to come out Baheux mentioned that this is
and see the place, stay with us and the 3rd time iI1-its 21-year histo-
tell some friends, n said Barrios ry that Carambola has been part-
about the new owner's history and nered with a large hotel name,
the potential of Chenay Bay. previously partnermg with the
Of similar interest regarding the Radisson, and from 1995 through
tourism industry, renovations and 1998 with the Westin.
new partnerships, on the north, So this partnership is not
west end of the island' the entirely new. territory for
'Carambola Beach Resort is eom-. Carambola, but they do feel it is
pletmg a $20 million transforma- a mutually beneficent relation-
tton, according to its Web site, as ship that is sure to gain national
wellas forming an association with exposure for the newly renovated
the Marriott franchise to brand its resort as well as for St. Croix.
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts Baheux pointed out how the
name. (Marriott Frenchman's Reef on St.
A franchise agreement with Thomas maintains a year-round
Marriott was signed by Carambola 75 percent occupancy, which is a
Beach Resort in December of2006 favorable indicator of things to
.and the name reservation proce- ./ come at Carambola.
dure is well under way, a process Economic development and
that could take about a year to com- increased tourism are keys to the
plete. success of the island's future, and
New luxury' suites highlight with an influx of investment and
Carambola'stransformation, having ideas, a bright economic future
COOlgranite and marble throughout .should be forecasted -..:..influenced
the suites along with flat screen by restoration, remodeling and
televisions, king-size beds, full-size national advertising. Not to men-
.refrigerators, and oversizedmarble - tion the incredible natural
showers, creatmg luxunous accom- scenery, great restaurants and
modations nestled among the lush St. Croix's island hospitality ..
• Courtesy ofwww.travelwithkids.about.com
On Feb. 1 Island One Resorts took over management of the Chenay ~y Beach Resort located on the east end of St.
.Croix,
Forecast bright for
St. Croix resorts
JOE BRUNElTI
. sr. CROIX-1vo recent changes
in St. Croix's tourism industry -
the purchase ofChenay Bay Beach
Resort by St. Croix One and the
recent partnertng of Carambola
Beach Resorts with the Marriott
franchise ~ are reshaping the
industry's landscape, indicating
economic development· and
increased tourism forthe bigisland,
which means good news for island
residents and more national expo-
.'sure for local business owners.
On Feb. 1ofthis year, Island One
Resorts, which owns 12 resorts
throughout Floridain cities such as
Miami,Daytona Beach, Naples and
Orlando - where it is headquar-
tered - took over management of
Chenay Bay Beach Resort located
on the east end ofthe island.
Island One Resorts, directed by
Cary J. Erfurth and Deborah L.
Linden,is the parent company ofSt
Croix One, which filled out and
completed an EDC application in'.
front of the seven-member
.EconoiIlicDevelopmentCommittee
last Wednesday on St. Croix,
. Victor Barrios, representing St.
Croix One as- the Director of
Operations and Chief Engineer, Is
. very excited about the potentia1 of
this new partnership.
"We see st. Croix as an island
poised for great things, n he said.
"The -forecast for the economic
future is very positive. There are
new investors coming to the island
willingto put money into the island
to take it to the next level,"
Some of st. Croix One's invest- .
ments in Chenay Bay are current-
ly in progress and nearly finished,
which includes remodeling 25 .
rooms and building two new rooms
from the ground up, refurbishing