Tourism officials are reporting a decrease in recreational boating arrivals due to "unavoidable" factors such as weather, fuel prices and entry fees.
Earl Miller, general manager for vertical markets in the Ministry of Tourism, said that one of the biggest issues for boaters has been the $300 entry fee implemented several years ago.
Since then, boaters have repeatedly complained that the fee is too expensive.
"We saw a drop in the number of boating arrivals for several reasons. There are just some factors that we have no control over like the weather and the fluctuating gas prices, which posed a threat for us," he explained.
"The $300 entry fee that boaters are required to pay once they enter the islands of The Bahamas has been cause for a lot of concern among boaters and anglers who think that's a bit much to pay. It's a situation that is still looming out there in the marketplace."
Miller confirmed to Guardian Business that the ministry has implemented an initiative called the $300 instant fuel credit, which was designed to offset gas and entry fee costs.
"It has been working very well for us so we are going to keep that type of initiative in the marketplace. Understanding that the price of gas is high, we decided to do something on the back end to offset those costs.
"In order for us to begin to enjoy the levels that we saw back in 2006 and 2007, we are going to have to keep that type of initiative in the marketplace."
Miller added that he recently participated in several boat shows where the response was overwhelmingly positive. As a result, he is hopeful 2013 will be better than 2012.
In November, a major boating event poured approximately $2 million into the economy.
The 25th Annual Showboats International Rendezvous, hosted by the executives of the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, was designed to raise money for 12,000 at-risk youth. The annual charity is reportedly one of the largest social superyacht gatherings in the world.
At the time, Miller said the economic boost to The Bahamas came mostly from hotel nights and airlift.
"We're talking about a lot of money that's being dropped into our economy. I would say it's a couple million dollars in revenue due to lots of room nights. Then when you talk about fuel, taxis, limos, restaurants and casinos, that's even more money being pumped into the economy. Plus, some folks have chosen to either come in early or stay late. That has also added to the increase in revenue."
In June, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe projected an 8.8 percent increase in recreational boating over the next several years. He said that 157,000 boats landed in The Bahamas in 2011 and that there will be a greater emphasis on marketing.

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