The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

JOHN ISSA’S comments on the generally accepted fear of a hotel price war are interesting if not significant.

The Bahamas is fortunate we have a number of air carriers that serve us daily, with an efficient but costly service. Some of the daily rates to fly here and return are without doubt excessive. Which indicates that there is a high demand and the US-based airlines are taking full advantage.

Have beds will air carriers increase service?

Baha Mar will add a minimum of 300,000 beds annually. An average jet flying to Nassau has a complement passengers, of say 180 so that covers to an increase of 1,666 planes per year. I would expect most of the existing carriers, would be willing to take up that opportunity, but the use of larger equipment means additional landing fees - longer turn-arounds and no certainty that the passenger load level will be as high as it is now, Thursday through Sunday.

Is LPIA able to service this projected new level? Let us not be stupid, LPIA is far from an easy airport, to get in and out of within less than an hour plus or more. Is there the ground transportation?

Hotels are being challenged by the self-serve residential short rental sector, the world of AirBnB and Home Away from Home...price competitive and very attractive for those seeking a low cost vacation, and serving the larger family group or group of friends to clearly the disadvantage of the hotels.

Those guests do cause considerable business in the supermarkets, liquor stores and restaurants, which are not appreciated from guests in the hotels, them being all-inclusive, prepaid.

D. J. HUMES

Nassau,

August 1, 2017.