Baha Mar’s first quarter ‘extremely strong’, says Sands

Baha Mar Senior Vice President Robert “Sandy” Sands said last month could be the single best performing month in Baha Mar’s history.

Giving an update on Baha Mar during the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) board of directors’ meeting on Friday, Sands, who is also the BHTA’s president, said the first three months of the year have been strong for Baha Mar.

“I can say that the first quarter for Baha Mar has been extremely strong. And perhaps March 2024 may be recorded as the single best month in our history,” said Sands.

“We are also looking forward to a second quarter that remains robust and strong. Significantly, our transit businesses is very strong as well going into the second quarter. We are hopeful that this positive trend continues for the entire year. We are working very hard to ensure that that happens.”

Atlantis Vice President Jackson Weech said Atlantis has had a strong first quarter, though it did experience some cancellations after the international media carried the story of the US State Department’s travel advisory on The Bahamas following a string of murders in the first month of the year.

“This year has begun on a positive note with a strong first quarter, and we’re tracking to meet budget,” said Weech.

“We would have seen some cancellations after the media frenzy with the January 2024 travel advisory update on crime and safety, but fortunately, cancellations have now stabilized.

“I can report that we’re sold out for Easter, and April is looking very, very good.

“Our Q2 [quarter two] bookings pace is presenting some opportunities, and this is highlighted by the shorter booking window that we’re evidencing through the leisure and the transient segments.

“We’ve also observed that air fares have come down significantly, while airlift remains constant.”

Both Atlantis and Baha Mar are rolling out new features for their guests to enjoy.

Sands said Baha Mar is developing a new jazz bar that they hope to open before Thanksgiving.

He added that the hotel opened its Game Zone earlier this year, which he said “is also doing exceptionally well”.

Weech said ticket sales for the upcoming Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera concerts are very robust.

He added that the hotel plans to formally introduce the Tin Ferl food market that is now set up by Nassau Straw Market on Paradise Island.

“We anticipate it is going to be a very lovely way for our guests to experience more of our local cuisine and arts,” Weech said. “This is a great addition to our day guests and staycation visitors as well.”

By: Ayhisha Small, The Nassau Guardian