Island Hotels Group managing director Winston V Zahra told Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi that the work on the hotel, which began on 26 August 2003 following months of demolition of the old hotel, was on schedule and is planned to be ready by the
target date – May 2005.
Speaking during Dr Gonzi’s visit to the site of the new hotel, Mr Zahra said that 30 per cent of construction work was ready while around half the total work required had already been carried out. He recalled how the group took over the site on 14 February last year.
Following this, numerous discussions with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority were held in order to prepare the hotel plans which had already been discussed before. This exercise proved fruitful as the development permit was issued within three months.
He said it took around four weeks to demolish the old hotel and construction work started in August last year. Mr Zahra said the project will consist of three blocks and two receptions. The Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort and Spa will have 300 rooms – 100 one-bedroom suites, 100 two-bedroom suites and 100 standard twin rooms. The rooms, he said, have been designed to be spacious and will be tastefully furnished.
“In the 17 years that Island Hotels Group has been in operation, it has invested an average of Lm2.5 million every year. After this hotel is opened, the group’s employees would rise to over 1,250. The group believes in Malta and its potential. Coupled with the group’s courage and determination, we will see this project to the end in the best interests of the local economy,” Mr Zahra concluded.
Mr Nazzareno Vassallo, chairman of Vassallo Builders, who are entrusted with the construction of this resort, echoed Mr Zahra’s speech and also expressed his conviction and belief in the country and its potential.
On his part, Dr Gonzi stressed the importance of three words mentioned by the entrepreneurs who spoke before him: faith, courage and determination. He said this is what local entrepreneurs needed in order to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by European Union membership. “This is an important ingredient and part of the recipe for Malta’s success,” he said.
On tourism, Dr Gonzi said this had to be a national project and a collective effort from everyone. “Everyone has to work if we want Malta’s tourism to improve, including bus drivers, taxi drivers, street sweepers and shop assistants. There has to be a collective effort. This report is an example of how work should be done. The permits were issued in three months which proved that we can work together and be efficient,” he said.
Dr Gonzi also remarked on the high health and safety procedures being adopted on site.