The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

AN ELEUTHERA resort manager yesterday said October’s month-long closure of Governor's Harbour airport is unlikely to significantly disrupt tourism, adding that the timing gives authorities the best opportunity to complete long-needed infrastructure upgrades ahead of the winter travel season.

Patrick Nolan, manager of Squires Estate in Governor's Harbour, said October is traditionally one of the slowest periods for tourism in Eleuthera, meaning the temporary closure should have only a limited impact on visitors and local businesses.

"To be honest, it won't have a major impact on our business because October is already a very quiet month," said Mr Nolan. "We have a few bookings here and there, but there's not a lot going on."

Island Airport Development Partners (IADP) last week announced that Governor's Harbour airport will close throughout October to facilitate a package of airside improvements, including rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and apron, as well as the installation of upgraded navigational aids.

The company said the airport is expected to resume commercial operations in early November, while North Eleuthera airport will remain fully operational throughout the project.

Mr Nolan said visitors would still be able to access Eleuthera through alternative airports during the closure. "Most people will simply fly into North Eleuthera or Rock Sound instead," he said. "There are other options."

He added that he welcomed the decision to undertake the work during October, describing it as the least disruptive period of the year for the island's tourism industry.

"If they're going to close the airport for a month, October is probably the best month they could have chosen," said Mr Nolan. He added that the airport upgrades are needed before visitor numbers begin climbing again for the winter season.

"I would absolutely welcome it because the airport definitely needs the work completed before next year's busy season," said Mr Nolan. "September and October in Eleuthera are extremely quiet from a tourism perspective. It's a very low-key time of year."

While acknowledging the closure may create some inconvenience, Mr Nolan said he did not expect it to materially affect tourism activity. "Of course it may affect things a little, but it's really nothing that concerns me," he said.

Mr Nolan added that he would have viewed the closure very differently had it been scheduled during one of the island's busiest tourism months. "If you told me they were closing the airport in March, I'd be jumping up and down because that would be crazy," he said. "But if they need to do it in October, that's absolutely perfect."

The temporary closure forms part of the airport redevelopment programme being undertaken by IADP under the Government's public-private partnership initiative to modernise and upgrade airports across the Family Islands. The Governor's Harbour works are intended to improve operational safety, reliability and the overall experience for airlines and passengers ahead of future growth in air traffic.