Cypress Bend Resort celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 30th, 2020. The project, a combined effort of the Sabine River Authority and American Liberty Hospitality (ALH), has created many jobs, economic development and enhanced the quality of life in the region for over two decades. “Cypress Bend has been a labor of love and we look forward to the next 20 years,” said General Manager, Randy Rolland. 

One unexpected challenge facing the resort amidst the 20th celebration has been the worldwide Covid-19 crisis. Although all hotels and resorts worldwide have been impacted, some drive-to resorts like Cypress Bend have seen a slight increase in individual leisure guests and small weddings while large groups continue to cancel and conduct virtual meetings. Cypress Bend officials note that while 2020 revenues are down compared to last year, they are hopeful that 2021 volumes will return to pre-Covid levels or higher as people look to get out and enjoy the beauty of Toledo Bend. “While the Covid-19 impact on travel has been brutal, it is a good investment to continue the high levels of quality that Cypress Bend is known for,” said Nick Massad, 

CEO of ALH. In response to the economic impact of this pandemic on Cypress Bend, the SRA Board of Directors recently approved a support package to help ensure the resort, golf course and conference center will be well maintained throughout this downturn. The SRA Board action, in addition to preserving jobs and protecting their multi-million-dollar investment, ensures recreation and quality of life opportunities for the continued economic growth of the Toledo Bend area. Since the opening of Cypress Bend, private real estate development in the adjacent area has added over twenty million dollars of property assessment to the Sabine Parish tax rolls. Business development in the Toledo 

Town area (Louisiana Highway 6 and 191 intersection) has continued to grow, many real estate developments have completely sold out and several are in development stages now. By contrast, some similar resorts and golf courses have unfortunately closed creating a devastating effect on real estate values and the surrounding community in general. A large part of Toledo Bend’s growth has come in new and expanded residential real estate developments. “Baby boomers will purchase second homes over the next five years, and I can’t think of a more beautiful place to retire than Toledo Bend.” Massad said. 

Cypress Bend’s shift from group conferences to more individual leisure travelers is appropriate for 2020-21 as families are anxious to escape their homes where they have lived, worked and schooled their children over the past 5 months. The restaurant, club, spa, and pool are perfect for staycations and the great internet connectivity allows guests to work from the resort just as they would do from home. With 600 acres of pine and hardwood forests, and miles of beautiful shoreline, there’s plenty of room to socially distance with a round of golf, a day of fishing, or just relax in a rocking chair on the back porch. 

SRA Executive Director, Warren Founds, said “The relationship between the SRA and ALH has always been strong. This public /private venture started over twenty years ago has been instrumental in the economic growth of Toledo Bend area. The action today is a commitment by both parties to continue the effort, benefitting not only the lives of visitors and residents of Toledo Bend, but all Louisiana residents through the taxing bodies of the Parish and the State.”

This article originally appeared on Leesville Daily Leader: Cypress Bend Resort Celebrates 20th Anniversary