Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has welcomed positive news for the tourism industry and employment prospects in Saint Lucia, with the reopening of the Rex Papillon in Rodney Bay.

The 110-room property was closed in 2009, but with renewed confidence in the country's economy, the Rex Resorts group, in 2015, decided to renovate.

Prime Minister Anthony paid an impromptu visit to the newly-renovated facility last weekend.

"I am indeed exceedingly pleased at this development - the renovation and reopening of the Papillon property - not merely because it reflects the confidence that Rex Resorts repose in the future of tourism, but also because this is good news for dozens of Saint Lucians who are now employed at the Papillon," Dr. Anthony remarked. "It is my understanding that currently, 85 persons are employed at the resort and this number will increase to 100 in the near future. Some 150 locals were also engaged in the construction phase, and management has intimated that during the reconstruction, all hardware was purchased from local suppliers."

Dr. Anthony added: "The renovation of the Papillon is estimated to have cost US$10,000,000. With the Royalton (formerly Smugglers Resort) proceeding apace, and also expected to open in 2016, work continuing on Tides Sugar Beach in Soufriere, on the Harbour Club Hotel, on the Courts Megastore in Marisule, and on the Dayana Commercial Centre in the heart of Castries, private sector investment in construction, tourism and retail is gaining momentum."

Rex Resorts will also collaborate with Air Canada Vacations to increase the volume of airlift to the Hewanorra International Airport.