As businessman Mark Vanterpool launched his newly acquired hotel on Friday, he expressed optimism about the territory’s tourism industry but noted ongoing challenges with the physical appearance of many areas.
MHV Resorts and Hotels, which Mr. Vanterpool heads, acquired the landmark venue from popular singer Quito Rymer in October along with Quito’s Gazebo restaurant, which has relaunched as Rhythm & Sands.
Mr. Vanterpool said last week that he is “bullish” about tourism in the VI, and he revealed that his group of companies is also buying the nearby Coconut Breeze complex and plans to continue expanding its push into hospitality.
“We joined the industry through the Pusser’s restaurants, but now we are moving in the direction of hotels and in future possibly resorts,” he said, adding, “I am very positive and bullish on the BVI as a tourism destination, and I am willing to make what investments I can.”
However, he also acknowledged that several parts of the territory need sprucing up.
“Of course it has a negative effect on tourism,” he said of areas with a shabby physical appearance. “It’s terrible. We need to change it as quickly as possible, and I would support any efforts to make that happen. You go to other countries and get a better presentation.”
‘High standard’
The revamped hotel, which saw a reopening attended by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley on Friday, has already started receiving guests.
“The market we are aiming for is high end, so we want to keep it to a high standard,” Mr. Vanterpool said. “These are not regular hotel rooms. They are very spacious, large suites.”
Despite much speculation about his plans, the businessman said he won’t try to add a casino to the hotel.
“Our ambition is to continue with it as a major high-end hotel,” he said. “We don’t have any major changes to make.”
Asked if he expects someone else to launch a casino in the territory, Mr. Vanterpool added, “That is inevitable at some point. It would benefit [the VI].”
Besides heading the MHV group of companies, Mr. Vanterpool also runs the One Mart chain.
Speaking to the Beacon in July, Mr. Rymer said he was letting go of his business dealings in the VI, adding that he has property in Wisconsin and is considering retiring to Hawaii in a few years.
Looking back on more than 40 years of business in the VI, Mr. Rymer added, “The restaurant came before the music started. I was setting myself up a venue that I couldn’t be fired from.”