The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is experiencing "the busiest travel season" in its history, with the biggest increase in business coming from the Canadian market.

Jan Knowles, vice-president, marketing and communications, at NAD, told Tribune Business: "This is the busiest travel season have had at the airport in the history of NAD. I would say from December to now, every single month has been probably the best month-over-month, year-over-year comparison that we have had.

"In March of this year we had our busiest month ever in the history of LPIA. We're projecting for this summer, July and August, which are typically our busiest months, to see our busiest July and August ever."

Ms Knowles said there are a number of factors contributing to this increased activity. "There are a number of factors which probably fed into why we've been so busy," she added. "One of them is certainly the full opening of Baha Mar and the marketing of Baha Mar.

"Certainly, Atlantis has had a very aggressive and active marketing programme that matches Baha Mar, and The Bahamas has always been a desired destination. People want to come here; they just need to be reminded, and so that marketing aspect is critical.

Ms Knowles added: "The Canadian flights and the Canada destinations have been driving a lot of traffic. I think that's where we have seen our biggest uptick. It's been a cold winter, and I think that cold war winter along the US east coast going up to Canada has been a big factor.

"The first half of the year has been successful, and from what we have heard from our airline partners, the second half of the year is looking good as well. They are adding capacity into Nassau, which is good because they could see what the advanced bookings look like and that the demand is there."