Bidness is S-L-O-W

[SamFamAustin]

I talked to my birthday boy father over on Dicky's Cay just now, and he said the big news was how slow the economy was. Apparently, hardly a tourist is to be found, the marinas are shockingly empty, and the locals are quite worried. The marinas he could sorta understand - a bunch of fierce storms have the cruiser fleet holed up on the mainland. "Maybe they'll come next week" he hopefully adds, "I haven't seen it this dead in over ten years."

I don't think he would mind me blabbing that on the forum, and to be fair he doesn't blame anybody or wax political about it. But apparently this downturn is a major cause for concern now. I hope all my Abaco compadres can hang in there tough. My Christmas prayers aren't at all about the money, but it sure makes for happier times and more smiles, yes indeedy. ;)

[patw]

Its slow here on Guana too. Some second homeowners have arrived but not nearly enough homes are being rented this year. Orchid Bay has no gas, no diesel, the restaurant hasn't been opened since September.


I talked to my birthday boy father over on Dicky's Cay just now, and he said the big news was how slow the economy was. Apparently, hardly a tourist is to be found, the marinas are shockingly empty, and the locals are quite worried. The marinas he could sorta understand - a bunch of fierce storms have the cruiser fleet holed up on the mainland. "Maybe they'll come next week" he hopefully adds, "I haven't seen it this dead in over ten years."

I don't think he would mind me blabbing that on the forum, and to be fair he doesn't blame anybody or wax political about it. But apparently this downturn is a major cause for concern now. I hope all my Abaco compadres can hang in there tough. My Christmas prayers aren't at all about the money, but it sure makes for happier times and more smiles, yes indeedy. ;)

[Two Turtles]

From what I've seen from our three trips this year, the depressed economy hit them later than it did us in the States, and I'm afraid theyr'e in for another tough year, although I hope I'm wrong. My opinion is that many of us plan our trips long in advance, those trips have been taken, and since fewer were planned, it's now trickled down. Hopefully our economy turns around and those that can, will celebrate with a spur of the moment trip to Abaco:cool:

[raptor]

Bummer. I know we left two years ago after New Years feeling like businesses saw it coming and our costs went up dramatically. Regrettably, that is why we haven't been back. We sincerely hope things get better, for residents and renters.

[SamFamAustin]

Bummer. I know we left two years ago after New Years feeling like businesses saw it coming and our costs went up dramatically. Regrettably, that is why we haven't been back. We sincerely hope things get better, for residents and renters.

Raptor I have some friends I met from PEI - Prince Edward's Island - and they say that the tourism business has virtually stopped. Nada, nothing, dead. It's not quite that dire in the Abacos yet but you have a good point.

[Patty&Rudi]

Wow.

The ferry to Hope Town is jam packed with people coming back for Christmas at least, entire families, and our taxi driver on Marsh Harbour said that she has appointments to pick up all kinds of people, who are all coming back now. And the people we spoke with today are staying a month or more.

And at least one Abaconian is in PEI, too! Patrick and Linda of Cracker P's, who are living there a while and experiencing a white Christmas, and who will return to Lubber's in the new year.

[raptor]

Raptor I have some friends I met from PEI - Prince Edward's Island - and they say that the tourism business has virtually stopped. Nada, nothing, dead. It's not quite that dire in the Abacos yet but you have a good point.

It was booming around here on the coast of Maine all summer. Best summer weather I've seen in my lifetime here which I'm sure was a factor. Lots of traffic, Boothbay Harbor was full of boats every time we went there, which was weekly since it is an easy half hour trip. Our daughter worked at the restaurant at a local Marina and it was jumping every night (we got good deals there and could go by boat to avoid the cops). What we have seen here is steady pricing and "gimmicks" to attract people.

[boatbum]

You can't get boats to hang at your dock if you charge 20 bucks a day for a 50 amp line in the Winter. Sure, maybe in the Summer. But 20 bucks a day is steep when you're not running air conditioners.
And if your docking specials end in February, and the crossings are harsh all the way through March and April, who's going to slog it out for bad weather when they get here?

[raptor]

and there you have it............

[boatbum]

We passed over a place for that very reason.

Yes, we were a month behind schedule due to mechanical issues etc. but when I saw the price of electricity compared to others, it was a no brainer to move on.
And we did.
And we will if it happens again.

The mentality that seems to be pervasive here is that if business is failing, raise your rates to make up the difference. Those places are empty. Those that have dropped their rates are seeing more business.

Perhaps the holidays will offer some respite but it may not last.

[Watercolours]

We are normaly slow as most are between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Looking good next week! Then a O.K. already spring and early summer with boats and cottages. Most I spoke with on Lubbes are saying the same.
www.watercolourscottages.com (http://www.watercolourscottages.com)
www.cruiseabaco.com (http://www.cruiseabaco.com)

[SamFamAustin]

The one thing about Sammy, me, is that when I conjecture like that I love to be proven wrong. My dad did have a good observation although it could be the snow birds are a few days late!

Still, in all this, i think that the slow-down has affected "tings" more than we think. My marine consulting business is way off, for example - we have international engineering firms bidding on contracts of only $30,000, which is table scraps because we like to trade in the millions. You have Bahama tourism which is off between 15 and 30 percent. Face it, people are looking for deals.

[trubahamian]

You weren't wrong Sammie........There are a few people here on Hope Town but it is very slow. Anyone that says otherwise just needs to drive by Junior,Sherman.Miss Wanda or Jerald's golf cart yards "Kevin's is under cover" and see that almost all their carts are in.

There are a few homeowners around and a couple of the boats at Seaspray have people on them,but two of the only four tourists I met this past week left today and the next set leave tomorrow.

As Pat said there are Bahamian family members coming in from the States for the holidays,but that is to be expected no matter wat,goodtimes or bad........I hope next week gets better.:)

[BahamaAngie]

As I have said previously, here it is still slow also, gas stations going out, some restaurants going under....it still is NOT good but I heard that the tourism on the island was good due it was in driving distance for a lot and more people came down this year. I guess it was cheaper than flying somewhere BUT yet a lot of the bars did not do well so people are definitely being cautious.

[islandfever]

You can't get boats to hang at your dock if you charge 20 bucks a day for a 50 amp line in the Winter. Sure, maybe in the Summer. But 20 bucks a day is steep when you're not running air conditioners.
And if your docking specials end in February, and the crossings are harsh all the way through March and April, who's going to slog it out for bad weather when they get here?

And, then pay $300 for the right to spend your money,

[turtlehillvillas]

Quite a few guests for Hope Town arrived this weekend for the holidays -we're full for both Christmas & New Year's, bookings are pretty good so far for Spring & Summer. Running specials for Jan/Feb as usual which gets us over the hump - as long as I can remember it's always been dead dead dead after TG until the Xmas crowd arrives. I know there are some houses not booked for Christmas week around the island, but from what I've heard NY's week is thankfully looking good for everyone!

[BahamaAngie]

Good to hear that! I like to see businesses thrive.

[SamFamAustin]

Good to hear that! I like to see businesses thrive.

The way islanders are, they don't like having not enough people or having way too many people. LOL, sometimes there are so many people I have to hide in my house. I wouldn't wish that on any of my islander friends, medium-steady is the name of the game. Spring break anywhere in the world is the pits. I had to call the laws on some drunk kid that was making whoopee to my poor palm tree! No, you don't want too many people, whew. Sustainable is gooooood. ;)

[BahamaAngie]

I remember when we lived in our summer cottage and we use to NOT go out on weekends it was so mobbed BUT that is no longer the case. The businesses wish they had some more of that. I don't like crazy busy but I enjoy seeing everyone enjoying themselves. MHO

[SCMako17]

Until the economy in Florida recovers to reasonable levels and boat thefts are virtually gone in Abaco, it will be tough for business in Abaco. The families bringing boats over from FL are the ones who really pump alot of money into the local economy.

[Patty&Rudi]

And we're doing our part to help the economy here in Hope Town.

Each February we host our small college's annual Winter School here, and our (adult) students have to come and rent homes and eat food and buy groceries and rent carts and just generally pump money into our wee cay.

[boatbum]

We kicked in for the fireworks. Ok, not much but we are spending over here!

[cobra]

Many, many thanks to those who have chosen Abaco as their Christmas destination again this year. You very important input into the local economy is greatly appreciated.

I hope that the warmer weather and yet warmer smiles will make you feel all the more welcome, and that you will continue to choose Abaco for as many holiday visits as possible.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas.

[SamFamAustin]

I really like the last three posts - spirit agree! :)