Hoteliers in Antigua losing millions in cancellations

The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) says many resorts are reporting a significant decline in occupancy rates.

The Association says the trend is likely to continue until the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is controlled in the key source markets of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

“We will continue to keep an eye on the performance of our members, understanding very well that we are a long way from full recovery”,said ABHTA executive chairman, Vernon Jeffers.

Jeffers said should cancellations continue at this pace, the effects will trickle down to employees in the sector where reduced work weeks and rotations will have to be employed. “This a fear we do not want to see realized,” he said.

He said one hotel in Antigua has already reported more than US$2-million in losses as a result of cancellations out of the United States for December, January and February, as well as a further US$1-million in losses for visitors coming from the United Kingdom.

- Advertisement -

However, the ABHTA said there could be a “glimmer of hope” with potential visitors opting to re-book for future dates.

“Re-bookings is a positive sign … in this current environment, as it could translate to a strong performance in the summer months. Should we, however, continue to see the pace of cancellations, the performance in our traditional high season months, now through to April, will be negatively impacted,” the association said.

Jeffers also addressed the issue of a decision by Air Canada to suspend flights to the Caribbean including Antigua and Barbuda as a result of the virus.  A December 17 travel advisory issued by the Canadian government advised its citizens against non-essential travel.

“We cannot fully calculate the loss of the pause in flights from Air Canada which will be effective January 31. Once all the bookings are cleared from their system, we will see some properties experiencing a drastic dip in projections. The ABHTA will very soon be monitoring these results and present its projections for travel this first quarter,” he said.

In the meantime, the ABHTA is appealing to its partners to focus on safety protocols to help reduce the high incidence of local infection rates.

“At this time the ABHTA appeals to all hospitality partners that now more than ever, we must focus on following protocols. We are at a strong position in the sector where our vaccination rates are at or near 100 per cent in most businesses,” it said.

“This result, along with following the core protocols will keep our employees and their families safe therefore positioning our industry to remain open and ready. We cannot control the external factors in other markets, but we can continue to showcase our destination as Sun, Sea and Safe and the destination of choice for the potential traveler,” the ABHTA added.

CMC

More Stories

Condor Airlines

Antigua and Barbuda celebrates return of Germany-based Condor Airlines

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is celebrating another boost as Germany-based Condor Airlines announces the continuation of its seasonal service to the twin-island paradise. The...
Antigua Barbuda aerial

Antigua and Barbuda’s economy surpasses pre-pandemic levels, driven by tourism

Antigua and Barbuda’s economy continues its post-pandemic rebound, with real output surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Growth was estimated at 4.3%, fueled by a strong...
Guyana to begin Construction on seven new hospitals

Guyana aims to become regional pharmaceutical, vaccine manufacturing hub

The future of Guyana’s healthcare system is taking shape with ambitious plans to build six new hospitals, modernize outdated regulations, and establish the country...
Doctors Without Borders suspends operations again in Haiti

Doctors Without Borders suspends operations again in Haiti

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has once again suspended operations at its Turgeau Emergency Centre in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following an alarming escalation of...
Grenada’s Opposition leader Dr Keith Mitchell says he will not be seeking re-election

Former Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell collapses during political meeting

Former Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell collapsed on Monday evening while addressing supporters of the New National Party (NNP) at a political meeting...
Suriname Joins World Bank's International Development Association as Newest Member

Local World Bank employees in Jamaica now exempt from income tax

In a move that reinforces Jamaica’s relationship with the World Bank, the Senate passed legislation on March 14 exempting locally recruited World Bank employees...
Vishnu Dhanpaul Trinidad cabinet

New Trinidad PM Stuart Young announces new cabinet appointments

Newly-appointed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Stuart Young has unveiled his Cabinet, introducing several new appointments while retaining many key ministers. The official announcement...
Bahamas Health Minister

Bahamas Health Minister defends Cuban health workers amid US criticism

Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville has defended the presence of Cuban health workers in The Bahamas, emphasizing their crucial role in the country’s optometry...
Trinidad Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley

Dr. Keith Rowley calls for Trinidad to leave Privy Council in final address as PM

Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley used his final address in office to make a passionate case for Trinidad and Tobago’s exit from the...
Stuart Young

Stuart Young sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s 8th Prime Minister

In a historic ceremony at the President's House this morning, Stuart Young was sworn in as the 8th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,...

Latest Articles

Skip to content