The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

OUT Island resorts have seen increases in room revenue and room nights sold year-over year, the Promotions Board's (BOIPB) executive director said, although occupancies are "rather dismal".

"If I look at the fiscal year just completed, July 1, 2017, through June 2018; if I compare my numbers in terms of room revenue and room nights sold, we're seeing increases from one fiscal year to the next," said Kerry Fountain.

"However, if I look at my occupancy levels they are still rather dismal and indicate we have a lot of room for growth." Mr Fountain said firm statistics will be released later this week at an industry meeting.

He added that improving airlift connectivity, especially in the southern islands, would go a long way to boosting tourism growth. "If we don't fix providing the proper number of seats to these different islands when people want to fly them, I will only see marginal improvements from year to year," Mr Fountain said.

"While marginal improvements are better than slight declines, we're only scratching the surface. There has to be less talk and more action. It can't just be the Out Island Promotion Board working independently. I have to be working with the domestic carriers and the Ministry of Tourism interdependently.

"When you hear about increases, in my world I'm talking about hotel owners. In the Family Islands, when you hear about the increases we're realising, you're throwing into the mix second home rentals. While those numbers have been growing exponentially, we're not seeing the same growth in the hotel sector."