By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A marina operator yesterday hailed the Government’s boating fee reforms as being “like a Christmas present” that will generate renewed optimism for an industry grappling with uncertainty and reduced business volumes.
Stephen Kappeler, of Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, said the creation of two new short-stay cruising permit categories - one for a 30-day stay, the other for six months’ duration - coupled with lower fees for this and anchorage compared to the 12-momth approval, will benefit the entire Bahamas and especially businesses in the Family Islands that rely heavily on marine traffic.
He added that the announcement came just as industry stakeholders were returning from the West Palm Beach Boat Show, where concerns about the fee structure had been a dominant topic among boaters and marina operators alike.
“It’s like a Christmas present,” Mr Kappeler said. “We just came back from the West Palm Beach Boat Show. I flew back today after attending with the Ministry of Tourism and about 14 other resorts and marinas. We had really good representation.
“No matter what people were thinking about the fees, there was a lot of attendance at the show, a lot of interest, but also concern. All we could do was stay positive that it was being looked at, and then, one day later, I’m greeted this morning with great news.”
The Government announced the reduction in boating fees took effect from yesterday, April 1, a move that has been welcomed by stakeholders who argued the previous structure risked driving business to competing destinations.
Mr Kappeler said the impact of the fee reduction will extend well beyond marinas themselves, boosting broader economic activity throughout the islands. “Every Bahamian cash register on these islands, especially in the Out Islands, is going to benefit from what has happened here,” he added.
While welcoming the move, Mr Kappeler added that the previous fee increases had posed challenges for the sector and highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach to maritime business development.
“It’s a step in a better direction,” Mr Kappeler said. “It would have been better if the fees had not been raised in the first place, and if more focus had been placed on improving marinas across the country — many of them don’t even reach 50 percent occupancy.
“We need occupancy. We need more customers visiting the marinas so they step on land and contribute to what I call the economic spin toward all the other Bahamian cash registers across the islands.”
Mr Kappeler said the industry had been fielding a steady stream of inquiries from concerned boaters in recent weeks, many of whom were uncertain about whether to continue choosing The Bahamas as a destination. He also warned that higher fees had already created an opening for regional competitors.
“I don’t see the benefit of raising those fees,” Mr Kappeler said. “Other countries, like the Dominican Republic and elsewhere, are enjoying the mistake we made — they’ve been overloaded with boats and visitors who moved away from us.”
Despite that, he said the response to the Government’s reversal has been swift, with potential visitors seeking confirmation that the changes are real. “I can tell you, though, we’ve had a flood of guests writing, asking: ‘Is it real? Is it true? Can we believe it?’” Mr Kappeler said. “And all I can say is yes, yes, yes. We’ve updated our website and we’re excited to see the change.”
He added that the timing of the decision could help boost bookings heading into the summer season. “It’s just in time — the perfect time,” Mr Kappeler said. “We’re moving out of the winter-spring season and into summer. There’s already interest from guests, and now I know the lights are going to turn on.”
Echoing that sentiment, Senator Randy Rolle, the PLP candidate for Bimini and the Berry Islands, said the reforms follow appeals from industry stakeholders and discussions within government about the impact of the fee structure.
“I am delighted to report to the people of Bimini and the Berry Islands on the new reduction in boating fees announced by the Government,” Mr Rolle said in a statement. He added that he had raised concerns in the Senate, and engaged colleagues on the urgency of revisiting the policy.
Mr Rolle said the move reflects feedback from those directly involved in the sector and positions the industry for growth. “It is now incumbent on my people to embrace the opportunities these reductions will bring to accelerate business in this sector,” he said, adding that his focus will remain on improving economic opportunities for Bimini and the Berry Islands.
The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, in a statement, said the entire island’s economy had felt the impact from reduced boating business volumes. “During what is traditionally a strong winter season, the island experienced a noticeable decline in boating arrivals,” it said.
“This resulted in reduced economic activity affecting taxi operators, restaurants, bars, retail establishments and other service providers. The slowdown also had implications for government revenue, as decreased visitor spending led to lower overall economic circulation. Consistent feedback from stakeholders indicated that the fees, as originally implemented, were too high and discouraged boaters from selecting Abaco as a destination.”
It described the reforms as a “more balanced approach to the fee structure”. Chantelle Sands, president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, added: “This process highlights the power of collaboration and consistent advocacy. The boating sector is a critical driver of economic activity in Abaco, and its decline has far-reaching consequences for our community.
“We appreciate the Government’s willingness to engage, listen and make necessary adjustments. The revised fee structure is a positive step forward and reinforces the importance of public-private sector partnership in achieving sustainable economic outcomes.”