As Breezes SuperClubs ups the ante to “in excess” of $3 million in repairs from damages sustained during Hurricane Irene, the Chairman says the tourism business isn’t what it used to be. The resort expects to reopen potentially ahead of the November 1 deadline, but John Issa told Guardian Business that it’s a brave new world in the industry.
“The trend started with 9/11,” he explained.
“There has been an expansion of supply with a lot of construction, not just in Nassau but throughout the region, like in Jamaica, (the) Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean. Then the cruise ships are getting bigger and bigger, which is direct competition.”
Meanwhile, Issa pointed to wars around the world, which has “effected people’s psychology and spending ability.”
This combination of these factors, he said, has softened demand and lowered prices, while operating costs remain “oppressive.”
