(September 4, 2008) -- As Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike approach, hotels have reported that some guests have made early departures. However, there has not been an overwhelming exodus.
For guests who choose to remain in The Bahamas, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation fully expects that hotels will execute their respective safety and security procedures to the benefit of their guests, as they have always done.
Meanwhile, some travelers have opted to remain in their home cities until the weather disturbances have passed their vacation destination. These travelers will not be adversely affected due to the Bahamas Hotel Association’s hurricane cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel or postpone their visit without penalty.
From the perspective of the Bahamas tourism industry, Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike should result in minimal direct tourism losses due to the timing of the storms. As September signals the start of Bahamian tourism’s traditional “slow” period, many smaller properties have already been closed or are preparing to close, and would not have been seeking to accommodate guests.
Bahamas Cruise Update
There have been a number of cancellations to The Bahamas of ships operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL , Regal Empress and Discovery Cruises over the past several days. For the most part, the cruise lines have attempted to reroute the vessels between Nassau and Grand Bahama, which has reduced possible cancellations.
An initial estimate of potential loss in head taxes and projected spend for the period Sunday 31st August through Thursday 4th September for Nassau and Grand Bahama is estimated just under $761,000.00. This is based on estimations of head tax and spending per passenger.
The cruise lines have sought to make every effort to bring the vessels to either Nassau, Grand Bahama or the private islands, given the fact the fact that Tropical Storm Hanna has been somewhat disorganized. Requests to berth are therefore changing constantly, and our updates will therefore be provided on a daily basis, until the weather conditions become stable.
Thursday 4th September
No ships in port today in Nassau or GBI
Friday 5th September Expectations
Carnival and Disney are still expected in Nassau
Discovery has cancelled its voyage to GBI
Saturday 6th September Expectations
The Fascination, Sky and Sovereign are expected to call on Nassau.
Indications are also that the Majesty may also call in Nassau on Saturday rather than Sunday as previously scheduled.
GBI is expecting the Sensation
Sunday 7th September Expectations
GBI is expecting the Sky
Nassau should be expecting the Fantasy and Majesty
