Category: BHA News

Visitor performance in the first half of 2011 experienced an upturn according to the latest Central Bank report, with total arrivals increasing by 14.8 percent up to April. The latest figures were found in the Central Bank’s Monthly Economic Financial Developments (MEFD) June report, which also further revealed the uptick in air and sea travel.

“In April, total visitor arrivals firmed by 14.8 percent, buoyed by a 2.8 percent hike in air arrivals — the first monthly increase for the year — and steady gains in sea visitors of 19.2 percent,” the report stated.

“All of the major destinations recorded improvements, with total arrivals to New Providence up by 6.1 percent and double digit gains in both Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, of 16.1 percent and 29.8 percent, respectively.”

The first half visitor performance also translated into increased hotel revenues for local properties, with Frank Comito, the Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA), saying the 5.8 percent growth in room rates could be attributed to the busier travel period and various tourism initiatives.
…Continue readingCentral Bank Reports Shows Tourism Spike

Two of the Bahamas Hotel Association’s (BHA) partners in developing the tourism industry’s talent pool awarded $65,000 in scholarships to 13 students pursuing a variety of tourism-related career paths yesterday.

The presentations were made at a special ceremony during the BHA’s bi-monthly board meeting, held at Graycliff’s Humidor Restaurant.  Teaming up with the BHA for the scholarship awards were the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) and The College of The Bahamas (COB).

Representing Minister of Education Desmond Bannister, that ministry’s Permanent Secretary Elma Garraway said no longer do students view the tourism industry as viable only for unskilled workers.  Today, she said, with over 100 career paths available of which 20 percent are in management, the industry is providing well-compensated and prestigious jobs for top-achieving Bahamians.
…Continue reading$65k Awarded In Tourism Scholarships

THE Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) yesterday signed an agreement with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to launch training and certification programmes which, according to BHA executive vice-president Frank Comito, is a move towards strengthening the hotel sector labour force.
…Continue readingBHA Signs Agreement With Educational Institute

Good News

Emily Broke Up Over Hispaniola. Warnings And Watch Dropped For The Bahamas

Should Further Strengthening Or Airports And Airlift Be Impacted, You Will Be Notified
 
Alert #19 Issued By The Bahamas Department Of Meteorology Thursday 4th August, 2011 At 6 PM Edt.
 
Emily Has Degenerated Into A Trough Of Low Pressure But Will Still Produce Heavy Rains.
 
…Continue readingStorm Warnings And Watch Dropped

With an announcement on Baha Mar’s casino partner soon to come, executives assert moves to make official its partnership with three respected hotel brands has already improved the country’s cachet in the industry.

…Continue readingBaha Mar Partnerships Good For Bahamas Image

The $3.4 billion Baha Mar development announced yesterday that management agreements have been signed with world-renowned resort chains Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Morgans Hotel Group and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts.
…Continue readingBaha Mar Management Agreements Signed

After a five month hiatus, the price tracker is back with several changes. The focus has shifted from reporting competitive pricing one month out to three months out.  Analysis focuses…Continue readingMOTA’s Tracker Compares Airfares