By YOURI KEMP
Tribune Business Reporter
ykemp@tribunemedia.net
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday that Exuma residents are “calm” after the deaths of three tourists at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort and there has been “no cancellations” at the resort.
Chester Cooper, also the Minister for Tourism, Investments and Aviation, told reporters before the weekly Cabinet meeting: “People are generally calm with a sense of concern and also cautious optimism. So far, there hasn’t been any significant cancellations from bookings at Sandals, as I’m advised and based on what we see overall, in terms of queries from the international community, I believe they understand that this is an isolated situation contained to the two villas in question contained to this resort.
“They know that we have 16 island destinations within The Bahamas. So we are seeing very strong forward bookings. We’re still anticipating that the summer months is going to be very strong and we are pleased that we have built a resilient brand and a an outstanding product. We continue to be empathetic with the families impacted by this most unfortunate incident. As I announced previously, I’ve spoken with the families personally. We have provided candid answers as much as we have and we have been forthright with the families and they appreciated the fact that they have been able to get the answers that we do have the process continues.”
Meanwhile, the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) recently indicated it would revise the country’s travel warning rating from Level 1 to Level 2 after a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. Mr Cooper said: “I am advised that the CDC will rate The Bahamas at Level 2.
“As you know, we have been a Level 1, which is the lowest possible rating. We see the numbers have been tracking upward and I believe this is not different from what we’ve seen throughout the pandemic. There have been peaks and there have been valleys. I think at Level 2, there is minimal concern from the international community. I believe when we get to a stage like Level 4 there becomes more concern from corporate and group clients. But Level 2 just indicates that it’s moving in the wrong direction and we as Bahamians must continue to follow the protocols to ensure that we contain it at the Level 2 or reduce it again to Level 1.”
Mr Cooper “doesn’t see any impact on tourism” from the Level 2 rating from the CDC citing there is “significant pent up demand” for The Bahamas and there are islands in our archipelago that never had one single case, such as Ragged Island.
Mr Cooper also said: “We do need more room capacity. If we can get all of the hotels that’s closed reopened, that would help the product significantly. I can tell you that the Club Med resort is also on tap, opening in October.
“So we’re working with all of our partners to get all of the rooms that’s not operational back into inventory. Because the demand is so strong, the bookings are so strong moving forward into the future, we’re getting the airlift we need the more room capacity. The vacation rentals have helped, but certainly if we build it they’re definitely going to come.”
The plan is to have increased airlift for the island of San Salvador and the ministry of tourism is in discussions with airline partners, most notably American Airlines, who have committed to flying back into San Salvador. In addition, the government is making adjustments to the airport infrastructure on the island to ensure that airlift goes smoothly in conjunction with executives at Club Med.
There will also be an announcement on the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort today, said Mr Cooper.
Comments
TalRussell 2 years ago
The office of the colony's deputy premiership will runoff on most anything in both official English and Creole languages ... but that of the autopsies results on the three deaded Americans. ... Even about *the mystery surrounding the One-hundred millions dollars ghost of Freeport's Grand Lucayan Hotel. ― Yes?
gumbolimbo 2 years ago
Tourism, Tourism, Tourism....that seems to be the rally cry of this administration. Mr. Cooper, it has been less than a week since 3 American tourists were found dead at Sandals in Exuma. The autopsies and cause of deaths have yet to be established. But, you're main concern is to get those inventory of rooms, bookings and flights to the Bahamas!! Don't let there be any cancellations, etc. You might need to step away from the microphone for a while and reassess the situation.
The deaths of these American tourists are being watched on an international stage and it would behoove the Government to be very transparent if there is to be a future in tourism.
Flyingfish 2 years ago
Lol exactly I've yet to see them do a conference with the major news stations or schedule one or release any info online that is easily accessible for the masses.
But you see what the government website look like so you know we aint techy. Unfortunately in the 21st century our government is playing catchup after spending a decade and a half talking about policies of the 70s and being led by 70 year olds who been in politics since then.
Alan1 2 years ago
The dreadful situation in Exuma is news in the newspapers and online around the world. We are in trouble. Why has the Health Visa not been abolished? It is a great deterrent to travel. It is expensive and time consuming along with the rapid antigen tests and the ridiculous need for everything to be completed and be in our country by the third day. Many visitors cannot comply and are going elsewhere. Yet the Minister seems divorced from reality.
Baha10 2 years ago
This tragedy has exposed 2 distinct, albeit connected failings in this Country:
Both are critical to any properly “functioning” Country.
As for Transparency, it is obvious to “all” now that this does not exist in The Bahamas, as there exist today many Answers … yet neither “Sandals”, the Government nor our supposed “Free” Press have been forthcoming in disclosing … Why?!? Such concerted efforts to manipulate the narrative ( perhaps even “cover up”) what occurred to serve “special” Interests has caused the Country to suffer tremendous reputational damage in consequence!
As for incompetence … it is equally obvious the “D” Average of the past 40 years has caught up with us and is now on full display. If we can not figure out how 3-4 people in their 60’s died in close proximity on a “small” Island in an “all inclusive” Resort after presenting to a Hospital less than 10 hours prior … do we honestly think we are going to be able to solve the murders, robberies, burglaries, rape, drug, gun and people smuggling?!? … Child Please!
Perhaps most astonishing in the midst of this National Disaster is the fact that notwithstanding the bombardment of nightly “Romantic” Advertising by “Sandals” at massive expense, neither they nor our “Super Bowl” Ad Ministry of Tourism have any Crisis Management Protocol in place to follow (as even Resort remains Open!)… nor PR Branch or Firm to deploy … other than the Default Strategy of “do nothing” and hope the Story simply goes away as a result of the ever changing News Cycle!
We have been caught woefully ill prepared … and are now exposed with “Our Pants Down” for the whole World to see our embarrassing reality … certainly not how many of us once proud Bahamians were hoping to mark 50 years of Self Governance 😞
Maximilianotto 2 years ago
You know the famous 3 monkeys? No see no hear no speak. Won’t work in the times of social media. Cutting ribbons and announcements of hope of deals is easier and hopefully readers forget - US won’t forget.
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