Biz Bits

The Bimini Bay Resort could give any number of reasons explaining why that island is one of a few experiencing an increase in visitor arrivals, but nothing explains it better than this — increased airlift.

Indeed, airlift that has nearly doubled, may be the best explanation yet for why Bimini was among the islands with stronger growth in arrivals than even the capital, which experienced a drop. For the months corresponding with the arrival data, Continental Connection, operated by Gulfstream International Airlines, expanded its air service to Bimini by adding a second afternoon flight to the island, while Yellow Air Taxi, a charter operator, expanded its air service to include four weekly flights to Bimini, from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

"Increasing the air seats into the island is essential as we develop new leisure markets for the destination of Bimini, Bahamas," stated Nancy Williams, director of Sales and marketing for Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, in a statement sent to Guardian Business.

Like the rest of the country, the island, and by extent the resort, is experiencing a slow Fall season. Still, the resort still expects good business.

"Currently, Yellow Air Taxi has scheduled daily service on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday and Gulfstream Airlines (Continental Operator) flies once daily in the morning and will resume its second daily flight in November," a statement from the hotel said yesterday. "Western Air flies two times per day from Nassau every day of the week."