Both Baha Mar and Atlantis revealed strong first-quarter results and occupancy rates during the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) board of directors and membership meeting yesterday.
Baha Mar President Graeme Davis called the resort’s first quarter “fantastic”, adding that the second quarter is trending in a similar direction.
“We have hit record numbers to report, particularly in RevPAR [revenue per available room],” said Davis.
“We had a 14 percent increase in RevPAR year over year, and hitting March, one of our highest occupancies in the history of the property opening, at 94 percent.”
Davis said the factors supporting the resort’s positive numbers include increased airlift from Canada. He said global tensions are also supporting travel to The Bahamas, as it is seen as a safe destination.
“What’s going on in Mexico, what’s going on in Jamaica, what’s happening in the Middle East… we’ve got some perfect storms around the world that are certainly supporting The Bahamas as the best place to come to.”
Davis said of the second quarter (Q2): “Our pace going forward for Q2 looks very strong. Group numbers are looking good as well for Q2.”
Davis said it was too early to make pronouncements about the rest of the year, but he contended forecasts look strong, with strong group bookings for the third and fourth quarters.
Vice President and General Manager at Atlantis Jackson Weech, who is also the president of the BHTA, said Atlantis has similarly seen a strong first quarter performance, with strong average daily rates. Weech said a strong increase in airlift from the Canadian market boosted the property’s occupancies. He further explained that during the first quarter, all of Atlantis’ towers met their budgeted economic performance.
“We surpassed 2025 results for the same timeframe,” said Weech.
“lt was heavily influenced by a strong group performance that exceeded budgets, as well as, in our instance, an equally strong casino operation, and food and beverage. As well, Our retail outlets did exceptionally well. Quarter two, certainly at this stage, is similarly poised, and it’s our expectation that it will continue to be equally as strong.”
