President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands spoke with reporters on the impact of crime on hotel occupancy.
Sands said, “we are satisfied that the experiences of the overwhelming majority of people who come to this country are positive. There are some concerns but we most also give credit to our security forces for doing the best job they can do under the circumstances.”
On the impact on hotel occupancy Sands said, “there is the concern that if it continues that they can decline. Let us not disrupt or hurt the goose that lays the golden egg.”
Both the Unites States and Canada issued travel advisories about The Bahamas in January as the country was experiencing a spate of murders. Sands invited tourists to come to The Bahamas. “Come and visit us, The Bahamas is open for business. We are a safe and friendly country. We’ve been at this business for over 200 years. This is not a new business for The Bahamas. We are open come and join the other millions of your fellow countrymen who come to us every year.”
