The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Event planners say tourism-led business will lead the sector’s revival amid expectation that trading conditions will continue to improve since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Cindy Coakley-Knowles, the Bahamas Bridal Association’s president, told Tribune Business that business is “picking up” with the Ministry of Tourism reporting positive feedback from travel agencies on the “destination wedding business”.

COVID-19 lockdowns and other measures put a halt to weddings and other events for much of 2020, and even into 2021, but now that the previous Emergency Orders have expired and been replaced by legislation and regulations designed to manage the virus, group-related activity has steadily increased.

Ms Coakley-Knowles said: “There are a lot of small weddings that are happening. Our tourism offices in the US and Canada are really putting it out there. They are really working.

“We’re all working, trying to put together promotional items and trying to promote this destination. With this being the month of February, we have a lot of features going on and, fortunately, it is not just Nassau-centric. We have inquiries for quite a few bookings in Exuma. A little bit of Freeport, too, but definitely Exuma is right up there.”

Justin Lightbourn, general manager of Bahamia Rentals said: “Things are slowly coming along” amid the wait for the hotels’ corporate group business to resume in earnest following COVID-19.

He added that while the company does benefit from small local gatherings, his main focus is on “group business”. Mr Lightbourn said: “Comparing this year with 2019 is no comparison. We get some things to keep us afloat but we really are in a wait and see situation now.”

Cicylea Dorsette, owner/operator of Happy Jumpers Bahamas Party Rentals, said: “Business has been going really good since the country reopened. I can’t complain.”

She has been tapping into both the local and tourist market, and has employed a storefront that allows her to sell novelty items and concessions along with party rental equipment.

Ms Dorsette said: “Since the restrictions have been lifted, we have had a really good Christmas. January and February was a little off, but January is always slow. It is starting to pick up again now.”

Daron McKenzie, general manager of Flamingo Party Rentals & Events, added: “Business is slowly increasing, but it is not back to where it was. We’re getting there.”

He has been catering to family gatherings and smaller events, as opposed to the larger national events such as the Red Cross Fair and the International Food Festival, but he has been “making dues” with the little bit of business that is steadily trickling in since the country reopened fully.

He added: “With the restrictions and for safety, people have been opting for more outdoor events now, and they are ordering a lot of tents and a lot of tables for more backyard gatherings and things like that.

“During the Christmas season we had a few offices that had gatherings for staff, so things are picking up. It’s better than it was last year for sure.”