The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Sandals Emerald Bay’s occupancy levels have increased year-over-year despite a “challenging” economy, its general manager dislcosed.

Jeremy Mutton told Tribune Business:

 “It’s been a very good year for us, I have to say. We have had quite a good season in terms of occupancies.

“There has still been quite a challenge for us in terms of the economic environment that we face, especially with the additional taxation that has been placed on businesses. We have found that quite challenging, to be honest.”

Mr Mutton said Sandals Emerald Bay had held its own in terms of occupancy levels.

While he was not at liberty to disclose what  the resort’s average occupancy levels have been this year, he acknowledged that it had seen growth. “It’s been as we would have expected,” said Mr Mutton, adding, “It’s grown year-over-year in fact.”

   The Family Islands experienced an overall 3 per cent growth in air arrivals, and 9 per cent growth in sea arrivals, in the first 10 months of 2014.

Most of the Family Islands experienced positive growth in arrivals, with Exuma leading the way with a 15 per cent increase in stopovers, followed by Long Island at 11 per cent and San Salvador with a 6 per cent growth in stopovers.