Excursion operator laments low bookings for Jan. and Feb.

Last month, business picked up for one week for excursion operators, then flipped off “like a light switch” after the New Year’s Day holiday, president of the Bahamas Excursion Operators Association Andoni Lisgaris told Guardian Business yesterday, adding that no bookings or inquiries have come in for his business for this month or the next.

Lisgaris said the week leading up to the new year was the best all year for some excursion operators, but lamented that it lasted only that week.

According to Lisgaris, fishing tour operators and boat tour operators were all receiving charters during that time.

Now, he said, while bookings and inquiries have been coming in to his business for tours in March and April, things are not looking hopeful for January and February.

“Between Boxing Bay and New Year’s Day we had a little rush for six or seven days and that was pretty much for everyone; sports fishing boats, center consoles, everyone was working that week,” said Lisgaris. 

“Usually a good indicator for a busy period is three months prior you get days booked, even though you might only have ten jobs for that month. Now I have like one job confirmed for March so it’s not really a great indicator.”

He explained that much of the business last month came from last-minute bookings, adding that those who call to inquire about bookings are still hesitant to make concrete plans because of the continuing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Lisgaris predicts that things will pick up during the traditional Spring Break period, though he cautions that it will still not be like previous years.

“At least I’m getting some inquiries, that’s a good sign,” he said. “People are a little standoffish until they get closer to the date.”

Lisgaris also revealed that 50 percent of bookings came from visitors staying at vacation rentals. Before the onset of the pandemic, 95 percent of bookings were from guests staying at hotels.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/excursion-operator-laments-low-bookings-for-jan-and-feb/