Chairman of Sandals International Resort, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has partnered with Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell to invest US$10 million in the expansion of Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort by summer of 2016. During a ground breaking ceremony last week, the duo unveiled plans to expand the resort which currently spans 32 luxury suites to house 257 lagoon nature reserve suites. “We have had the most extraordinary two years in Grenada where we see the demand for our brand and this destination, soar. So we have decided to invest more in our product here, in an effort to meet the high demand the international travel trade has placed on us for Grenada,” Stewart told media. He added that some 150 construction jobs will be created as a result of the expansion efforts, with more full time employment to be created upon completion. According to Stewart, the new lagoon nature reserve suites will accompany the most sophisticated amenities ranging from butler service, smart TVs and other traditional Sandals opulence. The Caribbean hotel mogul is of the view that travelers are looking for more on their vacation experience and believes that the industry must spare no effort redefining itself. “Grenada, one of our newest destinations is part of that redefinition. We challenge ourselves every day to raise our standards and to offer the world new innovations and fresh travel experiences,” said the Sandals founder. Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Grenada’s economy has seen tremendous growth averaging 5.7 per cent for the last two years and credits the resurgence of the spice isle to the growth in tourism. “Our encouraging economic growth is as a result of great performances in tourism and agriculture, and tourism has grown in large measure to the contribution of Sandals. It was only a year ago we were discussing the idea of Sandals opening its marketing center and today one year later the center is well established with 150 high paying jobs,” Mitchell said. Also speaking at the event was local tourism guru Royston Hopkins who acknowledged the tremendous benefit Sandals has brought to the entire industry. Similar sentiments were shared by Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Yoland Bain-Horsford. Source: ja observer