His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE, and the Premier, the Hon. Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, JP, have commended the Westin Resort’s new upgrades that add to the Cayman Islands’ tourism product.

A gala on Wednesday evening, 20 February 2013, formally unveiled the US$9 million renovation to the resort, notably all of the guest accommodation, the seaside patios and beach areas, the fitness centre, the entrance, lobby and corridors as well as the entire landscaping.

Executives told guests that the spa, the ballroom and restaurants are to be renovated next at the hotel on spectacular Seven Mile Beach.

Government leaders welcomed the upgrades at the resort, which has 65 percent Caymanian employees, as a mark of commitment to the Cayman Islands.

Such development, they noted, was likely to attract further investment into the Islands. Furthermore, it would provide opportunities for visitors to appreciate the people who are the Islands’ greatest asset.

“It was a distinct pleasure to see the staff at work, especially the Caymanians,” commented the Premier, who is also the Minister of Finance, District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture. “They help underscore the unique

attraction of the Cayman Islands when they interact with our visitors.”

In 2012, 320,000 stay-over visitors and 1.5 million cruise ship passengers experienced the Cayman Islands as a destination, according to tourism statistics.

Other top Government officials in attendance included: Deputy Governor, the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon, JP, and Minister of Tourism and Development, Hon. Cline Glidden Jr., JP.

Photos by Bina Mani