ykemp@tribunemedia.net
A Family Island hotelier yesterday said Christmas business volumes were “off 50 percent” at his property as he voiced fears that vaccination paralysation” will hit the travel market in early 2021.
Jeff Birch, owner/operator of the Small Hope Bay Lodge in Fresh Creek, Andros, told Tribune Business that “everything” segment at his resort - both hotel accommodations and restaurant - was down by 50 percent over the festive period.
Pessimistic about New Year prospects, with 85 percent of business traditionally originating from the US, Mr Birch said “vaccination paralysation” may result from persons preferring to wait at home for a COVID-19 cure rather than risking early 2021 travel. Because the vaccine is on the horizon people would prefer to wait to travel, he added.