Jeremy MacVean, the Bahamas Hotel Association’s (BHA) president, yesterday told The Tribune that the average occupancy rate for Nassau’s major hotels increased by 7.4 per cen in February, althugh room rates fell slightly by 3.8 per cent.
New Providence hotels enjoyed an occupancy rate of 79.3 per cent last month with the average daily room rate standing at $201. In comparison, 2003 figures showed an occupancy rate of 71.9 per cent and an average daily room rate $209 for February.
Robert Sands, the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino’s general manager, said february had been an excellent month for his property, generating revenue growth of 51 per cent over 2003 levels. He added that business for the entire destination had been significant.
With most hotels showing some improvement, overall occupancy levels for February built on the gains experienced in January, although the average daily room rate stayed relatively flat. The increase in occupancy levels produced a small revenue rise for most resort properties.
Mr. MacVean said March, usually the strongest month of the season, looked pretty good with most properties experiencing a strong showing in terms of occupancies and room rates.
Source: Yolanda Deleveaux, The Tribune
