­Occupancy is up by 60 percent at the Abaco Beach Resort, which is translating into promising numbers for the island's bottom line, according to the resort's Director of Reservation and Leisure Sales Byron Glinton. Glinton revealed to Guardian Business that the resort's revenue has seen a significant improvement in comparison to last year. Already Glinton is projecting that the rest of 2012 will be extremely positive, despite last year's dip in numbers. He noted that group bookings is just one area that's picking up, as there are plans to host groups for major fishing tournaments and other events next month. "On the group side, business is definitely strong and we have at least five fishing tournaments scheduled as well for this year, which is really good," he said. Last month, Glinton said that the Abaco Beach Resort hosted a major financial conference in February. "We have a medical conference in April. We have a big group coming out of New York in April as well. We're going to be hosting the Custom Shootout, a very prestigious fishing tournament, for the first time in May, which is going to provide a lot of excitement here at the property," he shared. He admitted that business last year had dipped to its lowest level as a result of the global economic recession. However, Glinton pointed out that since the beginning of the resort's fiscal year in July, there has been steady growth. He believes that most properties on the island have also definitely seen improvements. Despite rough economic times, Glinton believes that Abaco has been able to fare well in comparison to other Bahamian destinations, because Abaconians are proud and strong in preserving their cultural heritage. "It is an awesome experience and that's because of these surrounding cays. When you look at the Marsh Harbour area to have the ability to go to Hope Town or Guana Cay. There are very few destinations in The Bahamas that are going to offer you that type of experience." He continued, "You could be staying in Marsh Harbour and go to Elbow Cay for the day and come back. Each of these islands has its own characteristics that offer unique Bahamian charm," he added. Meantime, Glinton said the construction of a new airport terminal in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco and a hospital on that island, are welcomed additions to the island. Once these projects are completed, Glinton believes they will leave an indelible impression on guests coming into Abaco. "Right now, you hear constant complaints about the airport. When you look at the number of visitors that come to the island, it doesn't make sense to have an airport where people basically sit outside after checking in in all types of weather," Glinton noted. "Travel should be an enjoyable experience and the airport is really the living room of your country. So if you make your living room extremely comfortable and nice, then you are going to be looking at a very satisfying guest experience." He continued, "It's time that we realize that we cater to very affluent guests in the Abacos. Vacationing here is not cheap, especially the room rates. It is probably one of the priciest places that you can come to from the Caribbean region, from an airline's standpoint. It's going to go a long way in customer satisfaction." Another bone of contention for visitors and residents alike has been the accessibility to affordable healthcare. "One of the major complaints and fears that any visitor would have, including second home owners, is what if I get sick. Abaco in particular gets a lot of baby boomers, people over the age of 60. It is at that age where you can begin to experience most of your health concerns," Glinton explained. "This has also been one of the major concerns for residents as well. Medical care on the island is very expensive. This (hospital) will be a great asset for tourism and the local economy."

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