NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An out-island resort is reporting a solid year overall thus far, despite a noticeable slowdown in marina traffic and comments from boaters frustrated by newly introduced boating fees and regulations.
“Things have been going well,” said Molly McIntosh, General Manager of the Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. “It has slowed considerably, especially in the marina and the number of boats generally around. I am not sure how much of that has to do with the new boating registration fees and how much is normal for this time of year when our Florida friends take their boats back to Florida due to insurance restrictions and go back and get ready for the new school year with their families.”
McIntosh said feedback from the boating community has been consistent. “We’ve been getting a good deal of comments regarding the government’s implementation of new fees and boating rule changes,” she said. “It has had a negative impact on the opinion many boaters have.”
She anticipates these issues will be a topic of discussion at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October. “There will be comments at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, I am sure. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will be ready to field questions and criticism that I am sure we will be hearing at the Bahamas Booth that is at that show.”
While Bluff House expects to feel some impact from the newly introduced boating fees, McIntosh believes other islands may experience a more significant downturn. “Although we will be affected, I do not think it will affect Abaco as heavily as it will impact some of the southern islands and Bimini and West End.”
Despite the headwinds, McIntosh said Bluff House has had a successful year. “Our numbers are good. We have a couple of land-based groups coming from the UK in the next two weeks and then our business really falls off.”
The property will close for its regular offseason in September and October, during which time renovations will be carried out. “We’ll be doing some renovations to keep the polish on our product and provide the best facility for our repeat guests and hopefully many new travellers to Green Turtle Cay.”
