Bahamas News
HAITI: Henfield says competitive forces, natural disasters, are among factors impacting Caribbean Tourism
#Haiti, March 4, 2018 – Port-Au-Prince – Competitive forces, under-funding, along with the ravages of destructive natural disasters such as hurricanes are two of the key factors impacting Caribbean Tourism, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield told a Caribbean Community Plenary Session Tuesday.
Delivering the Opening Statement for The Bahamas during the Session on Tourism after which he introduced Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (Mr. D’Aguilar made a PowerPoint Presentation to the Plenary Session on Tourism) — Mr. Henfield said, in 2017, the region’s share of global arrivals contracted and stood at 2.3% at the end of the year, compared to 2.4% in 2016.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis serves as Head of Government of the Caribbean Community responsible for Tourism. Mr. Henfield assumed the Chair as Head of Delegation for The Bahamas following Prime Minister Minnis’ departure Monday evening. Mr. Henfield said Caribbean Tourism “is under-funded and losing ground.”
“Under the present circumstances the tourism sector will languish at levels below its potential productivity; and in the absence of a reliable funding source, the Caribbean will continue to lurch from one crisis to the next in a hapless quest for ways to buffer the region’s image against the ravages of competitive forces and natural disasters.”
Mr. Henfield said fortunately, “the solution is within our grasp.”
“What is needed is a sustained, effective effort to generate consumer demand, excite travelers and the travel industry, and stave off the region’s rapidly growing competition. To do this will require a reliable, consumer-generated funding source to create and maintain the kind of marketing presence recommended here.”
Mr. Henfield said the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) have recommended that the Caribbean develop the means to implement (in 2018), a consumer-generated funding mechanism that would collectively raise the money for an ongoing marketing initiative.
The primary source for this funding would be a small levy on air transportation of between US$1 to US$2 per passenger traveling to the Caribbean from outside the region. It is proposed that intra-Caribbean travel would be exempt from the levy.
“The goal is to generate a sum of US$20 million annually to implement a sustained effort,” Mr. Henfield said. “A $20 million investment, in relation to the number of visitors the region hosts annually, (30.1 million stay-overs in 2017), would allow the region to begin to proactively build the Caribbean brand and to be ready to protect the brand in times of crisis, through a prepared plan.”
Funds collected will be deposited into a specially designated marketing fund account, administered by the Caribbean Coalition for Tourism.
“One-to-two U.S. dollars per passenger is an equitable amount across Caribbean destinations and will not erode the competitive position of any participating country,” Mr. Henfield said. “Most importantly, that small amount will not dissuade any consumer from taking a Caribbean vacation, but cumulatively will provide measurable benefits to every participating country.
“This does not preclude support as well, from the private sector through sponsorships, specific promotional initiatives and active engagement. A separate and related dialogue is also being advanced to the cruise sector. The Caribbean receives an estimated 30% to 35% of all cruise ship deployments worldwide.”
Mr. Henfield said the understanding is that a critical mass of countries is the goal for proceeding with a campaign, accepting that countries “which are slower to participate should not retard the progress of those that are ready to get started.”
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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