New operators to spend $9 million on Harrison’s Cave upgrade

by Randy Bennett

Chukka Caribbean Adventures is investing $9 million to transform Harrison’s Cave into a once in a lifetime experience for locals and visitors.

This was revealed by the Jamaican company’s chief executive officer Marc Melville who said plans were afoot to take full advantage of the sprawling land surrounding the St Thomas tourist attraction commonly referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

Caves of Barbados Limited (CBL), the entity that runs Harrison’s Cave, recently announced that the cave would be run by Chukka from December 1.

Chukka, Jamaica’s largest nature adventure tour operator was chosen from among four bids.

During a press conference at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s (BTMI) Warrens headquarters this morning, Melville said he was excited to begin work at Harrison’s Cave.

“You are blessed. As a nation, as a people you are lucky. I can tell you that I’ve been to countless Caribbean islands and they all have their unique profile and natural resources, but I’ve been to none that has this particular type of national resource and I’ve been to none that has developed and enhanced it in the way that you have unlocked the value that you have. It is very, very impressive,” Melville maintained.

He said the $9 million would be invested during Phase One of the project which is expected to begin in early 2021.

Melville said once that work was completed improvements to the cave would be made every 18 months.

He said persons who visit Harrison’s “Cave after its transformation could expect to find ziplines, suspended walkways and even a dry slide.

He disclosed that a designated play area for children would also be built along with a challenge course and a bird aviary.

Melville said a state-of-the-art food and beverage area, as well as a retail store, would also be included.

He said it was Chukka’s intention to provide an attractive park for persons of all ages.

The CEO said prices would vary based on an individual’s planned activities.

“We are going to make it so that you have many different ways to experience Harrison’s Cave. Different price entry levels and different levels of activity that you can go to do,” he explained.

However, Melville admitted that there would be job losses as a result of the Chukka’s takeover.

He said while job opportunities were likely to be provided as business increased, in the current COVID-19 pandemic it would be difficult to re-hire all of the previous
60 employees.

In addition, Melville said Chukka was open to partnering with local businesses to provide packages.

He said that relationship would also help to add more value to those businesses.

(randybennett@barbadostoday.bb)