The hotel expansion, which includes several high-end restaurants and amenities, is the third phase of growth and investment for the Gulfport, Miss. resort, which opened in 2006, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
GULFPORT, MISS. – Officials with Island View Casino Resort opened the doors to a $58 million hotel tower, located directly on the Gulf of Mexico shore, during a ceremony attended by several local and state dignitaries, including Gov. Phil Bryant.
The hotel expansion, which includes several high-end restaurants and amenities, is the third phase of growth and investment for the Gulfport, Miss. resort, which opened in 2006, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation.
“As a private, locally owned business, we recognized the opportunity to further invest in the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s future through this property expansion, which will strongly support the growth of our area’s tourism industry and create a significant economic driver, including approximately 300 direct jobs,” said Rick Carter, who co-owns the resort with Terry Green. “Today, as we proudly cut the ribbon to open the new beach tower, we are grateful to the support of this project by so many, including Gov. Phil Bryant; Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes; the Mississippi State Port Authority commissioners and Jonathan Daniels, the Port’s executive director; Lindsey Inman, Island View’s CEO; and the resort’s dedicated and loyal vice presidents, directors, managers and team.”
The beach tower, which features an art deco-inspired design, was created to offer guests a smoke-free environment. With 405 rooms and suites, the 18-floor, 269,412-square-foot tower increases the resort’s room inventory to 970.
The expansion also includes seven food and beverage outlets: The Beach Grill, Fresh, The Diner, Beignet Cafe, Sweet Stop, Gulf Breeze Bar and The Pool Bar.
Other amenities include the Blue Shell Spa, a full-service day spa; The Fitness Center, a workout facility for hotel guests; 28 Palms Gift Shop, a beach-themed boutique; and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
A family friendly saltwater pool, overlooking the gulf, features swim-up beverage service, a sundeck and private cabanas. And with the coming addition of The Beach Club, which includes 300 feet of beach with related services, Island View will be the only Mississippi Gulf Coast casino with direct beach access.
“The new beach tower hotel is symbolic of how Gulfport’s economy continues to thrive, and we stand on the verge of greatness because of the Island View Casino Resort and everything they bring to the City of Gulfport,” said David Parker, economic development director for the city of Gulfport. “Rick Carter and Terry Green, both see the vision and the future for their hometown, and they have injected private capital and created thousands of jobs to insure continued success for Gulfport.”
Construction on the development, which was completed on time and within budget by Roy Anderson Corp of Gulfport and managed by architect Meng Chai, began in November 2013, following the joint signing of a long-term lease between Island View and the Mississippi State Port Authority in October 2013.
“Island View has been an essential part of the Port’s operations for years, and the 50-year lease agreement between the two organizations has helped pave the way for Island View’s expansion,” said Jack Norris, Gulf Coast Business Council president and Port of Gulfport Commission president. “This project is not only beneficial to the growth of the Port but it also benefits the tourism industry and economic future of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
