The Town of Oliver is about to see a spike in tourism and business thanks to the opening of the Coast Oliver Hotel.

With it’s soft opening just two months ago and ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 16, owner Ron Mundi says the hotel is already at 95 per cent capacity.

According to Mayor of Oliver Ron Hovanes, town council actively sought out companies that would be interested in erecting a hotel within the town. It is through this endeavour that he was put in contact with Mundi.

“About 18 months ago, we put out yet another expression of interest to try and attract the hotel industry … We (included) a number of attachments there of all the amenities we have and events,” said Hovanes. “So Mr. Mundi came down and we spent the morning together and we decided this might be a good fit for their hotel company and the town.”

Mundi has 20 years of experience under his belt in the hotel industry and was excited to expand his business into the Town of Oliver.

“When we met almost a year ago, they discussed with me and I could see how badly they needed a full-service hotel. So I made my decision and said I think I could see success in this community. It was great to have the support from the council, the mayor and the local businesses,” said Mundi.

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Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band made an address at the ribbon cutting ceremony stating “anytime there is new businesses in Oliver, it’s good for the region and it’s good for the Osoyoos Indian Band.”

“A full-service hotel really has been the one thing that is missing (in Oliver),” said Hovanes.

The hotel was erected in just nine months due to the innovative modular construction technique employed by Horizon North, the builder for the project.

“Yes this the first time I’ve used this type of construction, but I feel in the future we’re moving in that direction. If you look at the hotel interior, there is no difference with the modular construction. And this took eight months from the groundbreaking to opening the door it’s amazing — I’m really happy with the production,” said Mundi.

Mayor Hovanes shares his enthusiasm for the project as he feels it will only add value to the town’s tourism industry.

“There is other accommodations here, we have some really high-quality inns in wine country as well as bed and breakfasts, but we didn’t have that full-service hotel amenity. This is huge, we have top Canadian events, incredible wineries, top restaurants, so all that we’ve been missing is this,” said Hovanes.

Hovanes noted that the location of the hotel in the downtown core, “within walking distance of every shop,” makes this venture even more appealing.

“I believe this is just an ideal setting, right along the hike and bike trail with our location on the Okanagan River,” said Hovanes.

As for what’s next for Mundi, he’s already scoping out other business opportunities.

“Next hotel maybe I’ll look at Penticton,” Mundi said with a laugh.

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