Zane DeSilva, the Shadow Minister of Tourism, has applauded progress on the Morgan’s Point Resort project, but stressed the Bermuda Government still has much work to do.

Last week, the Development Applications Board formally granted planning approval for the first phase of the multimillion dollar project, including an 84-key hotel, 77-slip marina and 149 residential condominiums.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr DeSilva said: “We are pleased to see that there seems to be movement on the Morgan’s Point project that will culminate in Phase one construction. Bermudians are hurting for employment and the sooner the project takes off the better. We anticipate that there will be a significant number of jobs in the construction of this hotel on this site.

“We must be cognisant though, that it is as important, if not more, that the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism allocate the sufficient funding to market Bermuda as a destination to the rest of the world. A beautiful hotel is not worth much, if it is unoccupied.

“In this economy, it has been challenging to fill our current beds, so we hope that there is an active push in these areas to increase air arrivals and to put heads in the beds. America’s Cup 2017, with all of its merit, is a one off event, whereas these hotels must be able to sustain themselves for decades.”

Mr DeSilva noted the Government’s $165 million guarantee for the project, saying: “We cannot let this guarantee be in vain. All stakeholders must work to ensure the money is well spent and that we have a first-class hotel, with Bermudians employed at all levels, involved in the construction, delivery and running of the hotel.

“We pledge our support behind this project, with the hope that it plays a significant part in the restoration of tourism as one of our major economic pillars.”