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Plans underway to transform Rota Resort to PGA-accredited facility
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Posted on Mar 02 2005
Following its recent takeover by a new owner and management team, Rota Resort and Country Club is embarking on a $6.5-million renovation project, which includes the transformation of its golf course into a Professional Golfers’ Association-accredited facility.
Once Rota Resort becomes a PGA-accredited facility, it will become a site for professional golf lessons and tournaments.
“PGA agreed in principle to put its name on it,” said Clifford Meads, Rota Resort’s new general manager. “It’s an immediate recognition.”
Meads belongs to the senior management of Buena Vista Hospitality Group, the company managing Rota Resort. Reicof Co. Ltd., a Tokyo-based investor, took over the ownership of the hotel from SNM Corp. on Jan. 1, 2005.
The Marianas Business Journal earlier reported that Buena Vista has successfully provided services for more than 50 hotels, resorts, golf communities and clubs throughout the country and internationally. According to the Journal report, Buena Vista’s projects include the PGA National Resort & Spa, the headquarters of the PGA of America; LPGA International, the home of the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association; the Nicklaus Signature Rocky Gap Resort; and the Swan Lake Resort, home of the U.S. Golf Academy.
Meads spoke about Rota Resort’s renovation plans before local business executives during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s membership meeting yesterday at the Pacific Islands Club.
He said the renovation would also include other aspects of the hotel, including the rooms, restaurant and bar, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
Meads said the transformation of Rota Resort into a PGA facility would make the hotel attractive to tourists of diverse origins, including Chinese. Some Chinese tourists have already been visiting the hotel, according to the general manager.
Meads disclosed, though, that the hotel lost some $70,000 in cancelled reservations in February due the cessation of Pacific Islands Aviation flights to Rota. The pullout of PIA due to competitive reasons leaves only Cape Air and Freedom Air servicing flights to Rota.
Meads said Rota Resort has been meeting with airline companies for increased flight services to Rota.
