The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

New Providence hotels reported no significant impact from Tropical Storm Isaac, with executives at several major properties telling Tribune Business yesterday they saw minimal cancellations due to the storm.

George Markantonis president and managing director of Kerzner International (Bahamas), told Tribune Business: “Cancellations occurred mostly because of the Florida airports shutting, but we did have a lot of bookings that re-scheduled for later in September and/or this year. It was really just a strong storm for us.”

Jermaine Wright, director of business development at the British Colonial Hilton, told Tribune Business that the hotel saw “minimal cancellations”.

“In anticipation of the storm, British Colonial Hilton Nassau implemented its hurricane preparedness plan and emergency procedures, as well as maintained close contact with the local authorities and tourism partners,” said Mr Wright.

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president for government and external affairs, added: “The Sheraton benefited from increased occupancy because of some flight cancellations  and the Wyndham lost very minimal room nights, approximately 50, as a result of some cancellations of some incoming business.”

Sandals Royal Bahamian’s general manager, Patrick Drake, told Tribune Business: “We had some guests that could not leave on Saturday or Sunday and had to extend their stay two or three nights. The challenge was that the Miami airport was closed, and a lot of people had connecting flights in Miami. There were a few guests that may have left a bit earlier.”