The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

EXUMA resorts are eyeing full occupancy this week, with the annual Regatta providing a boost to the island’s economy.

The National Family Island Regatta in Georgetown, one of the landmark events on the Bahamian sloop sailing calendar, has brought increased business, at least for a few days, for a number of the island’s resorts.

“Exumians live for the regatta,” said Clare Gable, manager of the the 12-room Exuma Palms Hotel. “We’re seeing a lot more guests coming. We’re full for two nights. The Regatta is really good for the economy.

  “We have seen a lot more guests this week for sure. The regatta is good for us and the economy as a whole,” another operator told Tribune Business.

   Jeremy Mutton, Sandals Emerald Bay’s general manager, told Tribune Business that while the Regatta did not impact the resort’s occupancy levels directly, it was a gold sponsor of the 60th edition of the popular event and was doing its part to ensure guests enjoyed the experience. 

“We don’t really get a lot of guests from the Regatta, but we are a gold sponsor and we are busing over 200 guests to the Regatta,” Mr Mutton said.