It was bound to happen.

After six straight months of occupancy declines in the Caribbean, the region’s hotel room rates were down in year-over-year comparisons for the first time in 2019.  

Compared with September 2018, Caribbean hotel occupancy dropped 6.2 percent as supply jumped 3.3 percent and demand fell 3.1 percent, which was likely due to the effects of Hurricane Dorian and the lingering perception following the hurricane.

During previous months this year, Caribbean hoteliers showed their pricing confidence by continuing to raise average daily rate (ADR) even with lower occupancy levels.

That changed, however, in September with a 3.0 percent decrease in ADR.

The declines in both occupancy and ADR caused RevPAR to drop 9.0 percent—the largest decrease in the metric this year, according to our analysis. 

Year-to-date numbers are still positive, with ADR up 7.2 percent, offsetting a 3.2 percent decline in occupancy and resulting in a 3.7 percent increase in revenues in the Caribbean region.

In absolute values, September was the Caribbean’s lowest month of the third quarter: occupancy (46.5 percent), ADR (US$145.78) and RevPAR (US$67.76). 

STR’s 2019 forecast for the region predicts a slight decrease in occupancy (-0.8 percent) but a 1.1 percent increase in ADR and a 0.3% lift in RevPAR.

With the winter season starting this month, Caribbean hotel performance should likely end the year with overall positive performance. 

On the islands where STR maintains a sufficient reporting sample, Turks and Caicos experienced the highest rise in September occupancy, at 30.2 percent, which resulted in the largest jump in RevPAR (+38.0 percent).

The Cayman Islands posted the largest lift in average daily rate (+11.0 percent, significantly bucking the regional trend.  

Puerto Rico saw a 16.5 percent decrease in RevPAR, due to declines in occupancy (-12.3 percent) and ADR (-4.8 percent). 

On the development side of the industry, there continues to be a steady increase in the pipeline.

There are currently 61 hotels accounting for 15,204 rooms in construction in the Caribbean, according to our most recent data for the region.

Additional questions regarding hotel data reporting in the Caribbean can be directed Rico Louw at rlouw@str.com.

The post Caribbean Hotel Room Rates Are Getting Lower appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… out for the 23rd annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival hosted … out for the 23rd annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival hosted …

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There’s a new adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Barbados.

Barbados’ popular Accra Beach Hotel and Spa in Barbados has added a new luxury property to its portfolio called “The Abidah by Accra.”

The resort, which first opened its doors this summer, is a beautiful addition to their existing portfolio, set on the south coast of Barbados in the area of Christ Church.

Interiors reflect a contemporary style, combining bold splashes of color with vibrant artistic textures.

In other words, it’s an all-inclusive in a chic, boutique style.

Accra Group General Manager Suresh Monickoraja told Caribbean Journal the aim of The Abidah was to create an “intimate, high-end” adults-focused experience.

The 44 rooms at the resort are stunning: each includes a split powder room and shower room concept and, most notably, an outdoor spa pool and private balcony.

“They allow guests to admire lush landscapes or breathtaking sunsets,” Monickoraja said during a visit on the sidelines of the recent Barbados Food and Rum Festival.

The property is a short drive from the bustling heart of historic Bridgetown, the island’s capital, and located in close proximity to the endless energy of the St Lawrence Gap, the nightlife capital of the south coast.

Monickoraja said the property uniquely featured amenities like paperless check-in, along with regular beach service.

“We’ve also adapted some of the best practices from other countries in the hotel industry, such as using hydro farming, which will help local farmers,” he said.

The Abidah complements the existing Accra Beach Hotel, which is home to 224 rooms nearby on Barbados’ Rockley Beach.

It’s part of what has become a thriving all-inclusive sector in Barbados, from Marriott’s recent entry to the destination to Sandals’ pair of luxury resorts on the island.

For more, visit The Abidah by Accra.

— CJ

The post Barbados Has a New All-Inclusive Adults-Only Hotel appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Just in time for its National Day, the island of Saint Lucia is set to launch its very own thoroughbred industry. 

Horse racing will officially launch in Saint Lucia beginning Dec. 12 with the launch of the 2019 Caribbean Equine Cultural Festival, a luxury lifestyle and racing entertainment event at the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club. 

The event will hold its Race Day on Dec. 13, with the first Pitons Cup, billed as the “richest run” in the Caribbean this year. 

Saint Lucia tourism officials say the Pitons Cup is drawing interest from across the region and abroad, with confirmed participation from both the United States and Australia. 

That will include Hall of Fame trainer Todd Fletcher and Eclipse Award winner Sol Kumin, among others. 

The project is the first major phase of a broader project first launched in 2017 in Vieux Fort on the southern corner of Saint Lucia. That project is called the “Pearl of the Caribbean.”

It’s one of several major new projects in Vieux Fort, most notably the recent announcement of plans by Royal Caribbean and Carnival to build a new cruise ship destination in the town. 

For more, visit the Pitons Cup.

The post Thoroughbred Racing Is Coming to Saint Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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