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BIBR Roatan closes its doors


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#1 georoc01

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Posted 22 February 2010 - 12:55 PM

02.16.10

"Bay Islands Beach Resort in Roatan announces it has suspended operations effective February 1, 2010. After nearly 17 years of operating this successful business, owners Ted and Cam O’Brien reluctantly made the difficult decision to close this niche resort.

The worldwide economic recession, the negative publicity regarding the political situation in Honduras, and the resulting U.S. State Department country advisory discouraged travel andcaused a nearly 80% reduction in tourism in the country. Bay Islands Beach Resort found it difficult to continue to deliver the quality level of service its guests had come to expect while maintaining profitable operations.

Ted O’Brien said: “We will deeply miss the friends we have made over the years. Our staff and guests have become a part of our lives.”

Guests of the Bay Islands Beach Resort and friends of Ted and Cam know of their passion and long time efforts to improve the educational opportunities for the children of Roatan. They remember the festive Tequila Downs Crab Races and Pig Roast parties that raised money for Partners in Education – Roatan(PIER) and the E-Learning Centers.

Ted and Cam will remain in Roatan. Working with Cam’s Partners in Education – Roatan Board of Directors, they intend to transform the resort facilities into a much needed Vocational /Trade / Technical School for the island. This project has the full support of the Mayor of Roatan, the Congressman, and the central Tegucigalpa government for a cooperative effort to open this school as soon as possible. “Ted and I are excited about this new opportunity to “give back” to the island that has been our home for nearly 20 years,” Cam said.

Anyone who was considering coming to Bay Islands Beach Resort should e-mail Ted at escape@bibr.com. He can recommend other resorts that he knows will provide the kind of experiences they want.

For anyone who can assist financially with the funding of the new school, there is, in the USA, a non-profit, tax deductible 501©(3) corporation called Brain Spaces. A website is being designed, but for now, email Cam at cam@bibr.com or call 1-800-476-2826."

#2 peterbj7

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Posted 22 February 2010 - 04:08 PM

A great shame, but one that is being repeated all over the place this year. Things are very tough in the resort market right now.

#3 ScubaTex

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Posted 23 February 2010 - 12:18 AM

In my limited dive experience [5 years], I've been to Roatan twice. Both times I stayed & dived with a family owned & operated resorts. The last time was a SingleDivers.com Singles Week at BIBR, Setmeber 2008. I learned on that trip, The Inn of Last Resort had closed and been sold to a condo developer who was also building a yacht club. IMO these type of resorts are finding it increasing difficult to compete with the 'corporate' resorts. Personally, I would rather stay-dive at a family owned and operated resort, even though the power may not be on all the time, or may not have a 3-4 or 5 star rating. I'm very happy to hear the owners will convert the resort to a vocational education facility, instead of selling out.

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#4 WreckWench

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Posted 23 February 2010 - 11:36 AM

Things had become very difficult on the island due to the overall economic climate and the concerns over safety in the country etc.

I too am thrilled that the resort will continue its work towards helping the residents and children of the island to prosper. We will work closely with Ted and Cam to support these efforts.

And of course SingleDivers.com can recommend other great properties for you to vacation in on the Island of Roatan. Just drop me a line to kamala@singledivers.com or pm wreckwench. I will help you with the best deals and resorts. Kamala

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