NASSAU, BAHAMAS - An Out Island resort operator has expressed optimism that 2024 will be a banner year for its marina and resort business, with considerable bookings already secured for spring and summer.

"Things are going pretty well here at Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina on Green Turtle Cay! We have not been as busy as we were last year at this time, but I think it is because we had several weddings in late November and early December of 2022 and we have not had them this year," said Molly McIntosh, the Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina's general manager.

"(We) Also have not seen the long-term sailboaters like we had last year late in the year. I attended the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in late October and there was huge interest in the Bahamas overall and Abaco in particular so I am hopeful that 2024 will be a banner year for our marina and resort."

She added: "We already have a lot of bookings for the spring and summer and lots of interest. The Ministry of Tourism did a very good job at the boat show and we had a huge turnout; the booth was busy the entire time. The Ministry of Tourism staff was fantastic,and went above and beyond to make it the booth to see! If the attendance at the FLL Boat Show is any indication, 2024 is going to be a banner year for the Bahamas."

McIntosh noted the resort is still struggling with finding housing for its staff.

"There is no long-term housing available on Green Turtle Cay. We are trying to get permits for building a new staff quarters building as Hurricane Dorian destroyed our previous staff housing."

McIntosh did, however, decry the cost of living.

"The cost of living is getting very, very high. I need to adjust my employee's salaries just for them to be able to survive. To do that, we are having to raise our prices on everything, rooms, dockage, and food and we just hope that these increases in pricing will not decrease our business," she expressed.

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