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Press Release Lions Dive Hotel – 20th Anniversary
Lions Dive Hotel; Locomotive for the economy of Curaçao
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A stimulant for the local economy of Curaçao, that was 20 years ago the main reason to create the Lions Dive & Beach Resort.
This coming week the hotel, strategically located next to the Seaquarium, will celebrate her 20th anniversary. The objective,
set forth by ‘Koki’ van Eps in 1989, which convinced the members of the Lions Club to develop a new hotel, has definitely been
realized. The Lions Dive & Beach Resort is, at present, one of the most popular and best operating hotels on the Island and
continually contributes considerably to the prosperity and well-being of Curaçao.
President of the Board, Edgar Lotman, remembers clearly how ‘Koki’ van Eps convinced the Lions Club 20 years ago to develop a new
hotel. During the economic difficult period of the mid-eighties (Shell had left the Island), the Service Club supported several
social projects. “The arrival of a new hotel would give the economy a boost, according to ‘Koki’. The hotel would create employment,
generate foreign currency, and place Curaçao as a tourist destination even better on the map. At that time, finding shareholders
willing to invest in this project, which would cost ANG 5,2 million, was a challenge, but we still managed to open a 72 room
hotel in May 1989.”.
The construction of the Lions Dive Hotel turned out to be the start of a second hotel development period in Curaçao. The first years
were not always easy ones. During the period where the economy was rather sluggish, hurricane Lenny in 1999 had a nearly destructive
impact and Lions Dive had to wrestle to stay afloat. “However, due to some strong points we could survive during those years.”
says Lotman. “First of all, we are located in the best place on the Island. I think the hotel is located on a unique piece of Curaçao.
We have a large idyllic beach area, and are only 10 minutes outside of Willemstad.
Since his arrival in 2004 Director Will Vogels, together with his team, has managed to expand the hotel from 72 to 172 rooms
(from 140 to 340 beds). Moreover, he reinforced the sport-loving image of the hotel. The construction of a 50 meters long training pool
next to the new apartments and suites is the crown on his work. The last years we have time and again distinguished ourselves by organizing
events such as the Amstel Curaçao Race, de World cup Mountain Bike Race, clinics with Bart Brentjens and ‘At Land, At Sea en In the Air’”
says Vogels. ,,We have an excellent fitness center, offer mountain bike-facilities and we will add a squash-court to the existing facilities.
I think that we have properly positioned the hotel with these events and sport facilities and we will be able to harvest the fruits
through our marketing efforts. This concept attracts a specific kind of traveler. Furthermore, we have upgraded the hotel from a 2
to 3 star hotel to a 4+ one.”
The Lions Dive Hotel will continue to pursue the original idea of the hotel. The credo of the hotel is still: 'The Natural Place to Stay'.
The environmental issues such as Nature conservation and responsible use of energy are main concerns. Also the contribution to the local
economy remains one of the main objectives. More than eighty percent of the staff is of Antillean heritage.
With the exception of Management, Maintenance and Marketing, all activities are outsourced to Curaçao companies, while the Lions Club still
invests part of the profits in social projects on the Island.
Lotman: “We can conclude that 'Koki' van Eps had a perfect vision. Lions Dive may be proud that it played a part which led to the improvement of
the Curacao economy. Over the past few years, the Tourism Industry became increasingly more important for the prosperity and the well-being of the Island.”
Vogels looks back with a great deal of satisfaction on what he has realized the past five years with respect to the two newly completed construction
phases. “The concept of Lions Dive Hotel is rock steady. I think we have nearly reached the size and scope that we want to attain. The coming period
we will still need to slightly upgrade the hotel and make it a little more sophisticated. We want to increase the quality of our product even more.
When tourists say that in reality our hotel is better and more beautiful than on the pictures in the brochures, it shows that we are heading in the
right direction. The future, with all its challenges, looks as yet favorable for Lions Dive Hotel.”
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