Harvey plans new eco-tourism resort system
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Marine scientist, conservationist and artist, Dr. Guy Harvey has launched Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Marinas, a company that intends to develop a system of eco-tourism resorts targeted to fishing, diving and marine conservation enthusiasts, company representatives said in a recent release.
Based in the Cayman Islands, the firm’s co-founders, in addition to Guy Harvey, include Bill Shedd, president and CEO of fishing tackle maker AFTCO, Charles R. Forman, a South Florida attorney and long-time business partner of Guy Harvey and Mark Ellert, president of IAG Florida, Inc. whose Ft. Lauderdale-based real estate company will oversee licensing, development and management.
The company is actively negotiating management, development and licensing opportunities in the Bahamas, along with plans to concentrate its initial efforts in Florida, Mexico, Central America and the western Caribbean.
“We intend to launch a tiered club program, with all members enjoying a newsletter keeping them abreast of Guy’s exploits and up-to-date on newsworthy marine research and conservation activities at their home club and across the globe,” Ellert said. “Club members who own at a destination will be encouraged to donate use of their units to research professionals, creating a win-win opportunity to further the cause of marine conversation.”
Management will be under the direction of Christopher Pollock and James Allmand, who have experience in offshore hotel operations, marinas, resorts and clubs. Design and construction will be administered by Eric Nesse and Joe Neville, the company said.
Each resort will showcase a destination respected for its marine eco-system and will have as its centerpiece the “Guy Harvey Theater,” a multi-media experience offering interactive educational and recreational programming to resort guests. Seminars and presentations by on-site research professionals will complement appearances by Guy Harvey and other recognized marine conservationists and enthusiasts. On-site research programs and content will be developed in conjunction with the Guy Harvey Research Institute and the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center.
“We intend to create an authentic lifestyle product, targeting watersport enthusiasts around the world who are passionate to the point of perfection and are clearly predisposed to protecting the marine environment that gives them such fulfillment,” Shedd said.
AFTCO’s sportswear division, Bluewater, is the exclusive manufacturer of Guy Harvey apparel and a portion of its sales fund conservation, science and education activities at Guy Harvey Research Institute, as will be the case with Outpost Resort & Marina sales.
“It is a continuing passion to educate myself and others on the wonders of the underwater world, and this is an exciting vehicle to combine marine research and awareness with relaxation and recreation,” Harvey said. “As an avid conservationist and professional diver and fisherman, my goal with our new concept is to not only ensure each guest enthusiast has state-of-the-art experiences, but takes away a more complete appreciation of our fragile marine ecosystem.”
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