Bahamas May Buck the REDjet Low-Cost Trend

Bahamas May Buck the REDjet Low-Cost Trend

The Bahamas may buck the trend of neighboring nations in welcoming the region's first low-cost carrier REDjet, with tourism executives asserting there is only limited potential attached to inter-Caribbean travel.

Director General David Johnson argues that while opportunities may be there, there wasn't enough indication for an aggressive pursuit of those routes.

"I think the Kingston-to-Nassau route is probably the strongest demanded route," he told Guardian Business. "Caribbean people don't travel in the Caribbean as a rule. They prefer the U.S. or Europe as a pattern.

"Yes there is potential, but jet loads on a consistent basis to and from The Bahamas (is) very dubious. There is limited potential."

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago recently approved operational commercial licenses for the airline. Saint Lucia is next in line to benefit from the new air service, with officials in talks with Copa Airlines over interline and code-share agreements. It's anticipated that the move would allow South American travelers to seamlessly connect at Panama City and visit the Caribbean.

Johnson said there would be more advantage for The Bahamas in the formation of one regional airline — something Caribbean leaders have been talking about for years.

"If we can find a formula for co-operation to focus on inbound travel to the Caribbean," he said. "I think it's a niche there that is not happening. But that requires all of us working together for one Caribbean work space."

Tourism officials have indeed been lobbying for just that, arguing it would make flying to and around the region more affordable for all. The situation is especially important for the region now, given many countries are now just beginning to see visitor arrivals creep to pre-recession levels.

With skyrocketing oil prices threatening to have a similar effect on tickets to the region, tourism leaders are now rolling out all possible measures to counter its influence on arrivals.

Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace confirmed that The Bahamas is now on its way to regaining control of its airspace. He also asserts that transportation linkages with neighboring countries could be better facilitated by the establishment of a single regional airspace.