The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Despite losing “a lot of bookings” due to Hurricane Sandy, Atlantis is set to regain them after “most” rebooked for later in 2012.

George Markantonis, president and managing director of Kerzner International (Bahamas), operator of the Paradise Island resort, said: “We did lose a lot of bookings, people coming in, and a few small groups, but most of them have rebooked for later on this year.”

He declined to discuss the number of Atlantis bookings lost to Sandy, as Kerzner International had yet to discuss the issue with its insurers.

Still, Mr Markantonis described Sandy’s impact as “minimal”. Atlantis suffered “very superficial damage”, confined mainly to landscaping and beach debris.

He added that staff at the 4,414-room resort had spent most of the day on clean-up exercises, before tropical storm-force winds forced them to suspend these for the day.

“Our guests had a wonderful time,” Mr Markantonis said. “We went out of our way to make sure all amenities were open during the storm.” The Atlantis casino and film theatre were both kept open for 24 hours.

Tourism is the Bahamas’ leading industry and employer, with estimates placing its GDP contribution as high as 60 per cent. Sandy’s impact on the sector has been minimised because October is one of the slowest months in Bahamian tourism industry calendar.

Mr Markantonis added of Sandy: “It’s not something we wanted to happen, but the months of September and October are tricky months for us. We’re pleased that for New Providence it wasn’t worse. Our thoughts go out to our fellow Family Islanders that were worse hit.”

His sentiments were echoed by Robert Sands, senior vice-president of government and public affairs for Baha Mar, the owner/operator of two resorts at Nassau’s Cable Beach strip.

“Our initial information is that there was minimal impact, a few downed trees,” Mr Sands said. “Because it was the slowest period of the year, there was minimal impact.”

Sandy’s path puts it on course to strike the US east coast somewhere between the Washington DC and New York areas, impacting the Bahamas’ key tourist markets. Americans account for 80 per cent of the Bahamas’ visitors, and most come from either the Florida or New York markets.

“We’re going to have to monitor it,” Mr Sands said. “I’m sure there will be alternative routes that the airlines can take, and I’m sure there will be minimal impact.”