Water-sports businesses are facing a long, slow road to recovery and may need financial support from government for several months, according to recent survey data.
The pending return of cruise tourism has lifted the mood among some tour operators, but bookings remain slow. And industry leaders caution it will take time for the customers to come back.
Meanwhile small businesses face a long list of expenses as they get their boats and their operations ready to run at close to full-throttle.
A survey of 37 businesses, including those that run trips to the sandbar and North Sound snorkel tours, showed that the return of stayover tourism has so far had a limited impact.
“It looks like it’s going to be a slow and rocky road to full recovery for our water-sports industry,” said CITA vice president and industry spokesman Troy Leacock.
Hope for revenue boost with cruise return
More than 80% achieved less than one-fifth of normal revenue in February. That is expected to improve marginally in March with 80% projecting close to one-third of normal revenues.
“We are hopeful that by April, cruise visitors will improve business, especially for operators who rely heavily on cruise tourism,” Leacock said.
The first cruise ship will be back in port on Monday, 21 March, but initial passenger numbers will be capped at 40% of pre-COVID volume.
Leacock added that businesses that rely on cruise tourists are in need of assistance to get ready.
“We are hopeful that the land and water-sports tour operator grant will be continued for a few more months to assist operators to repair and refurbish boats and buses to a safe and quality standard.”
Respondents in the March business survey made similar pleas.
“Government’s intention of increasing tourism is promising, but I’m cash strapped with no clear sight of relief for the next couple of months except with the help of government’s grant,” one business owner wrote.
“Turnover and sales are slowly improving but we still need financial assistance for the significant repairs and refurbishment that is needed for our vessels and buses,” wrote another.
Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, speaking recently on the Compass and Rooster FM weekly news show ‘Beyond the Headlines’, said government is aware of the challenges facing businesses that rely on cruise.
He said operators would need to shell out for insurance and other restart costs with no immediate guarantee of business returning to 2019 levels.
“It’s a good start in my humble opinion. It is enough to to get those business operating again, allow them to wipe off all the cobwebs and get back into work,” he said.
Related Videos
