Bimini is slated to receive additional airlift capacity of around 1,000 passengers per month – the result of a partnership between the island’s premier resort and IBC Travel.
Scheduled to commence from August 15, IBC Travel is expanding its service to the island, adding Miami to its schedule for direct daily non-stop flight services to Bimini. Bill Lee, general manager of Bimini Bay Resort & Marina, said the expanded flight schedule doubles the number of flights from South Florida to Bimini each week – a positive development for the resort and island’s economy.
“Getting to Bimini Bay Resort & Marina just got easier, so we expect to see an increase in reservations and, with that, more revenue coming into the resort’s restaurants and shops,” Lee said. “A boost in the number of visitors is also good news for our activity and excursion partners.”
The resort forms a major component of the economy in Bimini through direct employment and the business opportunities presented through the tourists it attracts to those shores.
Bimini Bay officials are expecting that with the bulk of IBC’s flights having afternoon departures, new markets from major cities throughout the northeast and midwest regions of the United States, as well as Canada, will be opened up as Bimini becomes more accessible.
“Before this, the only way to get to Bimini was by boat, charter plane or via infrequent commercial flights to the island,” Lee said. “It was always our goal to make it as easy as possible to get to Bimini Bay Resort & Marina, especially with its close proximity to South Florida. That’s why we’ve developed this new partnership with IBC and are also looking forward to the ferry launch.”
The ferry service Lee referred to is set to start this fall, offering a two-hour link between Miami and Bimini. Originally expected to commence this summer, it has the capacity to bring around 2,700 additional visitors to the island each week. Lee said the final logistical plans for the ferry are being ‘worked-through’ in Bimini.
Bimini Bay also announced a special incentive for IBC travelers to the island.
“Bimini Bay Resort & Marina, with its partnership with the Bahamas Tourism Office, is sweetening the deal by offering an instant saving of $400 for stays of six nights or longer and $250 for four- and five-night stays,” read a press statement recently released by the company. Certain conditions apply under the offer.
IBC’s flights to Bimini take about 30 minutes, with service days alternating between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, except on Sundays when flights depart from both airports. The flights return from Bimini daily. The service uses a Saab 340B plane that seats 30.
Lee said the additional access customers have to Bimini will let the cat out of the bag about all the resort and marina has to offer.
“For years, Bimini Bay Resort & Marina was one of The Bahamas’ best kept secrets,” said Lee. “Through our new partnership with IBC, more South Florida residents and visitors will be able to discover this piece of paradise, just 30 minutes away.”
Source: http://www.thenassauguardian.com
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