The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

High Caribbean airfares remain the biggest obstacle to growth in the meetings and conventions market, according to a new Atlantis Paradise Island survey that found 61 percent of planners and attendees view flight costs as their greatest booking challenge despite strong demand for business travel.

The Paradise Island resort, releasing the results of a survey of more than 2,000 meeting attendees, planners and third-party meeting sources across the US and Canada, said the findings point to continued strength in the meetings and incentives sector while highlighting the importance of air connectivity for destinations such as The Bahamas.

According to the survey, more than 92 percent of respondents expect to travel at least twice for meetings, conferences or corporate events during 2026, while nearly four in 10 anticipate taking four or more business trips.

The research also found that ease of access and direct flights have become the most important factor influencing attendance at resort-based conferences, with 65 percent of respondents ranking it ahead of amenities, entertainment and dining options.

Steve Silverman, Atlantis Paradise Island's senior vice-president of group sales, said modern meetings travellers increasingly value destinations that combine convenience with the ability to host large-scale events.

"Today's meetings audiences are looking for destinations that make it easy to bring people together while offering the scale, flexibility and variety that modern programs require," he said.

The findings suggest that destination appeal remains important, with 74 percent of respondents describing it as either "very" or "extremely" important when evaluating meeting locations. Variety of meeting space and quality accommodations were also identified as major considerations.

The survey found growing preference for the all-in-one resort model, with 70 percent saying integrated resorts offering accommodations, meeting facilities, dining and entertainment within a single location were the most appealing format for conferences and events.

Nearly half of respondents said they value the ability to combine work and leisure experiences, while 67 percent indicated they would likely extend a business trip or bring family members before or after a conference.

The findings also suggest continued strength in attendance levels. Fifty-two percent reported attendance at meetings and events has increased compared with prior years, while another 35 percent said participation remains stable.

Atlantis argued the results support continued investment in its meetings and incentives business, which has become an increasingly important segment for the resort.

The survey found respondents were particularly attracted to Atlantis' all-in-one resort offering, dining options, entertainment amenities and post-conference leisure opportunities.

Mr Silverman said: "As meetings travel continues to grow in 2026 and beyond, Atlantis is well positioned to support groups with our diverse space options, dedicated support teams and an environment that works just as well for focused business as it does for connection beyond the agenda."

The survey was conducted by Zoho Survey and included more than 2,000 respondents across the United States and Canada.