Tourism downturn leads Bahamas resort to close

Tourism downturn leads Bahamas resort to close

NASSAU, Bahamas — A Bahamian hotel operator has closed one of his resort properties as the recession slashes occupancy rates across the vast archipelago.

The 50-room Royal Palm Resort & Suites was closed in early November by hotelier Mario Donato, and guests with reservations were moved to the Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina on Grand Bahama Island, which Donato also owns, according to Xanadu spokeswoman Tiffany Anderson.

The closure comes as tourism struggles in the region.

Earlier this year, the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma in the Bahamas and the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Turks and Caicos both closed down.