The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday said future guests were already calling to ask if their vacations would be impacted, as the union purporting to act for its line staff voted in favour of a strike.

Suggesting that the move by the Bahamas Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) was already having international repercussions, the resort’s general manager, Patrick Drake, said this was threatening the “good traction” it was getting on bookings for the next three months.

He told Tribune Business: “We don’t want anything to stop that momentum.

“What we’re seeing is a pick-up. We’re seeing good traction on our bookings over the next three months. We don’t want anything to stop that momentum.

“People have been calling, asking what’s going on. They have seen the reports in the press. It’s a delicate industry that we’re in. We could talk about forward bookings but people can cancel just as easily.”

Mr Drake said that over the past year, Sandals Royal Bahamian has undergone a multi-million dollar enhancement programme that has changed the face of the all-inclusive couples resort.

“The enhancements make it the ‘newest resort in the Bahamas’,” he added. “The former Manor Building underwent a complete transformation both inside and out, reopening with a spectacular new contemporary feel.

“We also took the opportunity to totally renovate the resort’s Windsor Building. Despite the building being relatively new, each and every one of the building’s junior suites received complete refurbishment, including the installation of new bathrooms and new furniture and soft furnishings throughout.

“New walkout patios were introduced to the building’s west side to offer stunning views of the resort’s private island, Sandals Cay,” said Mr Drake.

“One of the most spectacular enhancements has been the River Pool Swim Up Suites, set to be introduced next month. They simply have to be seen to be believed.

“Here you’ll find the most exquisitely designed suites an arm’s reach from a crystal lagoon, and with stunning views of the ocean. The guests and travel trade have responded extremely well to the enhancement programme, and that is reflected in occupancy forecasts we’re expecting for the coming season.”