The Tribune

Robert Sands last week handed over the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) presidency to Jackson Weech after serving two consecutive terms.

The move, which took place at the BHTA’s 72nd annual general meeting, elevated Mr Weech to the top post after he was previously BHTA senior vice-president. Mr Sands, who will continue to serve as immediate past president, said 2023 “aptly illustrated the power of the tourism industry’s resilience” as the sector “soared to record heights of success”.

However, he then delivered a sobering warning about the “tempering of business” in 2024. He reminded attendees that “success is not given, it is earned” after most industry segments - with the exception of the still-growing cruise sector - experienced a “moderation of tourism indicators”.

These included a more pronounced shoulder season during the traditionally slow September-October fall period; an abatement of forward group bookings; lower occupancy levels and rates; and also a much shorter booking window.

Mr Sands said that while some factors that contributed to the dampening of business were outside The Bahamas’ control, there were contributing factors that the industry can still influence. He urged participants to work collectively and earnestly to address long-standing “in-house issues” that continued to challenge the tourism industry and wider economy.

Some of the “work that must be done”, Mr Sands said, includes “elevating our guest experience to ensure, at every touch point” that The Bahamas showcases the best of itself and does not allow the bad behaviour of the few to negatively impact the good behaviour of the many.

He also implored the Government to ensure all sectors of the industry contribute their fair share in taxes to the product from which they benefit. Mr Sands said there was a critical need to ensure The Bahamas addresses its infrastructure challenges, and also ensure clean, cost-effective energy, water and waste disposal is available throughout the country.

The outgoing BHTA president said it is also vital that tourists and Bahamians alike are able to access properly-resourced health care facilities, police and fire stations throughout this nation to meet the country’s safety and security needs.

Mr Weech, who will replace Mr Sands, is also vice-president and general manager of operations at Atlantis. Emmanuel “Manny” Alexiou was voted as senior vice-president, while Vernice Walkine, the BHTA’s vice-president of allied members and Jamal Glover, treasurer, also stepped down from their respective posts.

Pamela Burnside, proprietor of Creative Nassau, and Chevaz Chambers, Atlantis vice-president and general manager, will now serve as allied vice-president and treasurer, respectively. Jermaine Wright, general manager of Comfort Suites, will continue to serve as vice-president for Nassau & Paradise Island; Victor Karavias, senior vice-president of operations for Resorts World Bimini will serve as vice-president for Family Islands on BHTA’s executive committee, and Veronica Clarke, hotel manager at Grand Lucayan, will serve as vice-president for Grand Bahama.