Despite modest gains in the average daily room rate and occupancy levels, the Nassau/Paradise Island tourism sector still faces a flat summer season as competing jurisdictions continue to outpace the Bahamas.
Basil Smith, executive director of the Bahamas Hotel Association, said there was little to celebrate in June, as properties in New Providence realised an increase in occupancy levels of only 1/2 percent over 2002’s depressed numbers.
Atlantis, the shining star of the Bahamian tourism sector, was slightly off in terms of occupancy levels, down 1-1/2 percent from the same period last year, but still managed to outperform the sector. The average daily room rate was also able to realise a modest increase in June.
With a multi-million dollar development plan set to come on-stream, the Atlantis Resort is doing extremely well, but Mr. Smith cautioned that the luxury resort should not be used as a barometer of the Bahamas’ hotel industry. The disparity between the Atlantis resort and other hotels, particularily in Nassau, is significant with some properties running a full 20% behind the Kerzner International resort.
