85% of Bahamian hotel entrepreneurs expect their occupancy rates this year to improve from what was reported in 2011. This study was conducted by the consulting firm Smith Travel Research commissioned by the Bahamas Hotel Association. The survey survey surveyed 22 representatives of large and small establishments. According to Stuart Bowe, president of the Association (BHA, for its acronym in English) "we feel encouraged but still many businesses do not get out of trouble. We are conditioned to the increase in air fares and this has forced us not to raise prices and invest resources in marketing and promotional offers."
The study also concluded that 55% of hotels saw growth in revenue during 2011. "Since 2010 the sector has had slight growth in revenue and occupancy rates, as well as in its customer satisfaction reports. But the projections for this year are a little more optimistic," Bowe said.
This same survey conducted in 2010 showed as a result that only 9% of the companies consulted expected an increase in the rates of 2011, this same question in the last survey indicates that this year 50% of entrepreneurs expect rates to rise.
