Feb. 16, 2013--Guy Harvey's brand is heading to the Galapagos.

The marine artist and conservationist announced this week that his Fort Lauderdale-based hotel company has partnered with two groups in the famed archipelago to open a brand new lodge and add his name to an existing boutique.

"The mission of our company is to promote sustainable tourism in unique marine ecosystem environments," said Mark Ellert, co-founder and president of Fort Lauderdale-based Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts. "The Galapagos is probably without a doubt the most unique ecosystem in the world."

The company announced the news this week at the Miami International Boat Show.

Developed by a team that includes South Florida residents who have roots in Ecuador, the 30-unit project on the island of San Cristobal is expected to cost $8 million and open in early 2016.

Arturo Keyser, a native of Ecuador who lives in South Florida, is heading the team. He said the goal is to create an environmentally friendly hotel in cooperation with the Galapagos Park that can "be an example that we can show to the world."

The hotel will be the first new property in the Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts portfolio; others have joined the brand as existing hotels. The collection of "signature properties" also includes TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites in St. Pete Beach; others are being developed in Islamorada and St. Augustine Beach.

The company also announced that the Outpost brand has become affiliated with the independently owned and operated Iguana Crossing hotel on Isabela island. As an "Expedition Property," the hotel will be included in the company's marketing and reservations system. Other hotels in that category include Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, the Green Turtle Club and Blackfly Bonefish Lodge -- all in the Bahamas.

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