The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL major hotel properties on Nassau/Paradise Island yesterday reporting 100 per cent occupancy heading into the New Year, one general manager telling Tribune Business, however, that the January booking pace was “very much off”.

Patrick Drake, head of the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian Cable Beach, told Tribune Business that the resort was expected to be full heading into the New Year.

“Christmas we were not full,” he said. “We were at about 60 per cent. We are, however, full for the New Year.

“The January booking pace is very much off and very slow. January, and even into February, are definitely not looking exciting at all. I guess a lot will depend on the weather up north this week and next. We will have to wait and see if the bookings start to rev up, but right now January and February is not on pace with last year at all.”

Ed Fields, Kerzner International (Bahamas) spokesman, told Tribune Business that the Atlantis resort was full for the holidays.

“We are full for the holidays, and while we are watching the storms in the north-east, we have thus far experienced no impact,” he added.

Jermaine Wright, director of business development at the British Colonial Hilton, told this newspaper: “We experienced high occupancy during the entire Christmas period and continue with high occupancy levels as we move into the New Year’s weekend.

“In addition, our catering/events business was robust in December, with numerous social and business holiday events.”

Robert Sands, senior  vice-president of administration & external affairs for Baha Mar, told Tribune Business: “Both the Wyndham and the Sheraton will be sold out for the New Year’s holiday.”