ST JOHN’S (CMC):
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) says many resorts are reporting a significant decline in occupancy rates and that the trend is likely to continue unless the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in the key source markets of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
“We will continue to keep an eye on the performance of our members, understanding very well that we are a long way from full recovery. The volatility of this period is all too evident as we continue to fluctuate being uncertainty and optimism,” said ABHTA Executive Chairman Vernon Jeffers.
“Should cancellations continue at this pace, we will see the effects trickling down to employees in the sector where reduced workweeks and rotations will have to be employed. This a fear we do not want to see realised,” he said.
He said one hotel had already reported more than US$2 million in losses as a result of cancellations out of the United States for December, January and February, as well as a further US$1 million for visitors coming from the United Kingdom.
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But in a statement, the ABHTA said there could be a “glimmer of hope” with potential visitors “opting to re-book for future dates.