While tourism figures showed nearly a four per cent increase between November 2002 and November 2003, the union’s go-slow at bahamian hotels last week could have a negative effect on next year’s figures.
According to Gary Young, Director of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Tourism, the nation’s leading industry could experience a drop if dissatisfied visitors caught in the go-slow, return home and “bad mouth” the Bahamas as giving bad service.
“These people can go back and speak either to their friends, relatives or the travel trade,” said Mr. Young.
“Some travel agencies respond with people,” he added. “People go back and sometimes travel agencies will promote or demote a place based on reviews.”
“Definitely, prolonged negations and any difficulties that arise from them could negatively impact the tourism industry,” said Mr. Young.
Source: Arthia Nixon, the Tribune
