Faced with an increased cost for pilots flying into the island as a result of a new processing fee for private pilots, one Out Island resort has determined it will offset the impact by offering private pilots a rebate if they visit their property.

Bimini Sands Resort & Marina CEO Frank Cooney said that the rebate takes into account the fact that pilots had become used to the lower cost of flying into the island.

"Most private pilots enjoyed paying zero fees upon landing at Bimini Airport until now," said Cooney in a release issued by the company.

"This rebate offer is our way of defraying the new fee and making a visit to Bimini Sands and the Bimini Islands more affordable for those who want to fly here on their own."

Many out island tourism stakeholders who are greatly reliant on private pilots complained when the new fees were introduced on July 1, fearing that it would lead to a reduction in business coming to the islands.

Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is making the trip more inviting by offering a rebate of up to $75 to private pilots who fly into Bimini International Airport and stay a minimum of two nights at the resort.

Upon presentation of a valid pilot's license and proof of payment of the processing fee, Bimini Sands will deduct the fee from the pilot's final resort bill. Less than 50 miles east of Miami and an hour's flight from most sites in South Florida, Bimini has long been a popular destination for private pilots.

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