The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN resorts appear to be trending towards a slight improvement in occupancy rates and overall room revenue for the first five months of 2014, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president said yesterday.

“While all the data is not yet in, preliminary results indicate that the nation’s hotels are trending towards a slight improvement in occupancy rates and overall room revenue for the first five months of 2014 compared to the same period last year,” Stuart Bowe told Tribune Business.

“The increases were boosted by a strong April, and significant growth was experienced on Grand Bahama and the Out Islands. Several Nassau hotels also saw increases in May from the IAAF World Relays and other group activity.”

As to the summer performance forecast Mr Bowe said the major Nassau and Paradise Island resorts were forecasting continued improvements in occupancy and overall room revenue.

“On average, major hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island are forecasting continued improvements in occupancy and overall room revenue throughout the summer, hopefully exceeding occupancy levels in 2012 when the industry saw its strongest summer since the banner years of 2006 and 2007,” said Mr Bowe.

With regards to the the minimum wage issue, Mr Bowe would only say that the BHTA looked forward to being a part of the discussions.

“The Minister of Labour in his Labour Day address has indicated his intention to engage all stakeholders in discussions around minimum wage and other labour-related matters. We look forward to being part of the discussions,” said Mr Bowe.

Labour Minister Shane Gibson recently said the Government will consider proposals for an increase in the country’s minimum wage. The minimum wage for the public sector is currently $210 per week, and $150 per week for private sector employees.