The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Delta Airlines’ decision to increase its existing service into Exuma to a daily frequency from December will be a significant boost to airlift, Sandals Emerald Bay’s general manager said yesterday.

Jeremy Mutton told Tribune Business that the expanded service was key for the Exumas. “We are aware that Delta will be increasing their service later on in the year, in December,” he said.

“That’s a significant boost for the Exumas when you look at airlift. That’s key for the Exumas. Atlanta is a major hub for Delta, and to have daily connections, seven days a week from there, is huge and the airlift in that respect will be increasing from that gateway.

“We are making a lot of effort, from a sales and marketing point of view, to let the industry, the travel agents and travel partners, become aware of this increased airlift with Delta and, in our company, we are talking with other airlines as well.”

Mr Mutton added that Sandals remains committed to Exuma, and has upgrades and enhancements planned for its Emerald Bay property. Sandals, as noted by Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday, has invested $137 million in Exuma since 2010, and is getting set to invest an additional $6 million in new amenities and renovations at Emerald Bay.

Mr Christie also added that the Government is making strides to ensure that Exuma has an airport consistent with the level of development taking place there.

Mr Mutton said this would have a tremendous impact on the overall visitor experience.

“It’s the first and last experience that a visitor will have to Exuma. There is an expectation these days from a visitor that although the size of the airport may vary, there are high expectations that travellers have, particularly travelers to Exuma, which is considered a more high-end, high market destination with a lot of guests going to expensive villas in the cays,” he explained.

“To have an excellent airport facility is very important to Exuma. There are times when our guests do lament about the structure and the core facilities. We have received some negative feedback and it’s a shame, because it is literally their first and last memory they will have of Exuma. You obviously want that memory to be a good one.”