Holistica contemplates an inclusive and holistic model for the development of destinations – hence its name – to respond to the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and tourists who travel by land, sea and air.
“The continued growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations tell us that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the sustainable evolution of some existing ones, is part of the common interest of the tourism industry,” commented Michael Bayley of RCL. “We have learned over five decades what works best, and we know the potential that can provide a good strategy for our guests to live extraordinary experiences, and at the same time meet the needs of local communities.”
Mauricio Hamui from ITM Group commented: “A well-designed destination brings economic and social benefits to communities, culturally enriching travelers, and impacting the natural and human environment as little as possible.” There is a way to develop these projects in an inclusive manner, collaborative and sustainable – and those are the characteristics that this new alliance seeks to cover. ”
Holistica Destinations, Ltd. is a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group. The partners have already started a search for the CEO of the new company that will be based in Miami.
The first Holistica project: an investment of $ 275 million USD in Freeport, The Bahamas, which was initiated by RCL and ITM and is currently under evaluation by the government of the Bahamas. It is based on the renovation of the Grand Lucayan resort, a project that has ambitious plans to integrate local business partners, generate employment, provide professional training, make community contributions and carry out sustainable development practices.
In addition to the project in Freeport, the new company will own and operate destinations in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Kumamoto, Japan. These projects, among others, will serve annually to more than 8 million visitors, and will be available to all types of travelers including those arriving by air and land, or on any cruise line. Holistica currently holds negotiations to develop other current and proposed destinations around the world.
“Time is ideal for this type of project,” said Hamui. “A collaborative approach, in conjunction with private financial resources, provides an opportunity for local destinations to grow in a correct manner.”
Bayley added: “Having more destinations, and developing them in a responsible manner, gives travelers a higher quality vacation and expands the travel options horizon in a growing tourism industry.”
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates four international brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Silversea Cruises. It is also a company that owns 50 percent of the German brand TUI Cruises and owns 49 percent of the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together, these brands operate a total of 61 ships, waiting for an additional flotilla of 15 that was launched on March 31, 2019. They operate various itineraries around the world that reach all seven continents. More information available at www.rclcorporate.com.
ITM GROUP is a leading Mexican group with 30 years of experience in the development of tourism infrastructure, housing, entertainment and leisure spaces. It has built and operated several ports of avant-garde cruises and high quality, taking care of the ecology and using state-of-the-art technology with the aim of developing integral tourist destinations. With a presence in four Caribbean countries, its largest growth area lies in the cruise sector.