The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) is hoping to make the group business segment 20 per cent of its total business, a board executive telling Tribune Business that this would ultimately allow hotels to achieve a higher room yield.

The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) recently showcased resorts to another group of meeting and event planners in a continuing effort to expand the Bahamas’ group business segment.

“They got an opportunity to experience the services, the facilities and the amenities we have to offer,” said George Brice, vice-president of the NPIPB.

Mr Brice told Tribune Business: “Group business is very important for us because it gives us business on the books in advance. Our goal is to try and get 20 per cent of the total business that comes to The Bahamas to be group business. We’re trying our best to get at least 20 per cent of our business group and the other 80 per cent can be tour and travel. The reason for that is because groups book far out. They can book a two years, a year and a half, a year or six months in advance. You already have that business on the books.”

Mr Brice added: “Since you already have that business on the books you can get a better yield for your rooms because you already have business on the books for a particular period of time. The more group business you have on the books, the better yield you can get for the rest of you rooms for that period. When you have nothing on the books you try to sell cheaper to try and get something on the books.”

Mr Brice said that the group business segment inclusive of meetings and inceptive trips has been tough due to the economic downturn in the United States.

“The group market has been tough for us because of the economy in the United States but we have been holding our own. The Bahamas is still perceived to be a safe destination and it’s very important that we keep it that way. The Bahamas is still a very attractive destination for inceptive trips. We want to get more meetings and conventions to come to The Bahamas,” Mr Brice said.