Over 2,500 people flocked to a pre-launch event for Harlequin Property last weekend – and agents say their clients were "pleased" with the developer's progress.

The two-day show at Wembley Stadium, hosted by brand ambassador Andy Townsend, gave existing and potential investors a preview of Harlequin’s Buccament Bay resort in the Caribbean.

“The idea behind the launch was to show everyone what we have achieved at Buccament Bay and demonstrate to the travel industry that Harlequin Hotels and Resorts will be a force to be reckoned with in the industry,” Harlequin’s chairman, Dave Ames, told OPP in a statement. “It was also intended to give visitors an opportunity to ask me any questions they had about the resort and Harlequin’s other developments in the Caribbean and thank them for their patience, allowing us to complete a resort to the highest standards."

Although it has experienced delays, Buccament Bay is set to open in November 2010 and will be Harlequin's first completed resort. “It is hoped that the progress of the development will give assurance that Harlequin is a serious developer that builds what it sells off-plan,” said Ames.

Positive feedback Agents attending the event said their clients were pleased with what they saw. Greg Walters, managing director of Roc Investments, brought a coach of 35 investors to the event from Birmingham. “One client who had already bought with Harlequin has now decided to purchase more than one extra unit,” he said.

Louise Hoade, director of Principal International, said: “One couple who had been considering buying for some time were very positive. They felt reassured about the progress that has taken place and some of the partnerships.” She added: “It wasn’t a day where they tried to sell. It was more about giving information.”

The event featured speeches from architects, restaurateurs and spa managers involved in Harlequin’s reorts, as well as a set from the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy and several West End actors. Representatives from British Airways and the St Vincent and the Grenadines government also made appearances, while Harlequin’s ‘ambassador’ – football commentator and former player Andy Townsend – acted as compere.

Source: OPP Magazine