By the Caribbean Journal staff

Miami-based HES Group has purchased the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

HES Group, which is behind a number of hotel projects in Miami, has major plans for the property; the purchase also included the Silver Sun Gallery shopping center.

“This purchase was made in the framework of a vision to create an innovative tourism project in the center of the city, which will diversify the current offering, strengthen the sector and generate direct investment that bets on the development of the country,” said Francisco Arocha, president of HES Group.

The plans for the hotel include a major remodeling and renovation, along with the construction of at least 20 more suites, according to the company.

It will also see the renovation of the 27th floor to create a “modern rooftop lounge.”

HES additionally plans to open a “haute cuisine restaurant” at the hotel and add a casual eatery in the pool area.

Interior design firm Sanchez + Coleman Studio is leading the entire remodeling process.

Hilton will continue with management for another 20 years under the Embassy Suites brand, “with the potential for future change to adapt it to the requirements of international business travelers,” the company said.

HES’ most recent projects included the Aloft Coral Gables and the soon-to-debut Triptych Hotel in Miami’s Design District.

— CJ

The post Miami-Based HES Group Buys Embassy Suites in Santo Domingo appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Carnival Cruise Line is planning what officials are calling a “mega” cruise port in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The “Grand Port” project is slated for completion in late 2021. according to a statement from the government of The Bahamas.

It is expected to create at least 1,000 jobs during the construction process according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

The port will be the largest Carnival Cruise Port in the world, Minnis said, part of a plan to make the Bahamas “one of the best cruise destinations in the Caribbean.”

“This ambitious port project represents one of the more significant opportunities for Grand Bahama in decades,” Minnis said. “What is being proposed will prove to be a significant catalyst for economic growth in Grand Bahama.”

Carnival executives explained their plans for the project during an “information meeting” in Grand Bahama this week.

The new cruise port could mean more than 1 million annual cruise passengers to Grand Bahama.

The project is expected to cost several hundred million dollars.

“The key will be for Grand Bahama to develop attractions and interesting excursions to draw the people out of the Port,” said Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “So, I’m challenging the residents of Grand Bahama to come up creative business ideas that will draw those people out of that port, spending money in our economy.”

— CJ

The post Carnival Plans “Mega” Cruise Port in Grand Bahama appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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