The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina has been reaping the benefits of ferry service from Florida, its general manager yesterday crediting this with producing “50 per cent or more” of its weekend occupancies.

Michael Weber told Tribune Business that aided by the Bale�ria Bahamas Express service, the historic 51-room resort was averaging 85-90 per cent occupancy on the weekend “if not full”.

Mr Weber said the direct service between Bimini and Florida, which began this year, has helped the resort’s occupancies during a typically slow period.

And he explained that Big Game had introduced a ‘Living Social’ package to capitalisee on the service. That promotion will run until the Memorial Day weekend.

“We did the living social package and sold about 400 packages in 10 days,” he said.

“The majority of the people getting off the Bale�ria are heading to Big Game. It’s been nice to see, because a lot of them hadn’t been to Bimini before.

“We had to drop our rates considerably for the promotion, but that’s just what you have to do to be a part of the living social deal. The return we get out of it, I think, will be much greater.”

Mr Weber added: “It’s [the Bale�ria service] very economical, and people are looking for a quick getaway for the weekend.

“They have been averaging anywhere from 90-120 passengers. I would say a majority of those are the people on the living social package.

“Our weekends have been spectacular. We’re averaging 85-90 per cent, if not sold out. I would say that a good 50 per cent of that or more is from the Bale�ria on the weekends, and it’s during a time when we wouldn’t have been so busy.”

Mr Weber said Bimini Big Game has been sold out for the Memorial Day holiday weekend since February.

“Memorial weekend has been sold out since February. We have got a wait list. People think that there are going to be openings, but that is far from happening unless the weather is bad,” said Mr Weber.