Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Tourism Enjoys ‘Exceptional’ First Quarter
#Nassau, June 26, 2018 – Bahamas – The country’s tourism industry performed “exceptionally well” during the first quarter of 2018, with stopovers increasing by a whopping 18 per cent, and air arrivals at their highest on record.
“This places The Bahamas in third place in the region, after Belize and the Cayman Islands which recorded growth levels of 23% and 20% respectively,” Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar said.
“It should be noted that, with The Bahamas receiving at least 1.4 million stopover visitors per annum, this growth is tremendous when compared with that of our Caribbean neighbours.”
Mr. D’Aguilar said air arrivals support the revenue-producing stopover segment of the industry, producing rooms’ revenue, which, from the large hotels alone, was up thirty-nine percent (39%) at the end of the first quarter. Air arrivals had been boosted primarily by improved airlift seat capacity and room inventory in New Providence, and increased overall demand for Bahamas vacations over the peak Easter holiday period.
“In addition, average daily rates increased by eleven percent (10.9%) over the same period and the industry witnessed a twenty-five percent (25%) uptick in room nights sold. By my estimate, this translates into an additional $90-100 million in economic impact — all in the first quarter of this year,” Mr. D’Aguilar said.
“This is indeed good news for the Bahamian economy. By all accounts, the collective marketing efforts of the Ministry and the industry, and robust growth in the Family Islands, coupled with the addition of 2,300 rooms at Baha Mar with increased employment to 4,000 persons at that property, have all served to put this country on a more solid economic footing.”
With respect to the country’s cruise sector, Minister D’Aguilar said while The Bahamas experienced a marginal loss in growth of its cruise business in the first quarter of this year, “we experienced overall growth last year in the volume of cruise passengers when the region experienced a 3.7% decline.”
“However, the conundrum remains of how do we work to improve domestic production to facilitate increased cruise visitor spend? All but one of the 
cruise agreements have expired and the government does not intend to continue the cruise incentive model that it has operated in the past.
“With all that said, Bahamas tourism is indeed seeing healthy gains and not just in New Providence, but in most of our tourism destinations. In fact, except for Grand Bahama, Inagua, Cat Island and Exuma, eight of our major tourism destinations have all seen double-digit stopover increases in the first quarter of 2018,” Minister D’Aguilar added.
Mr. D’Aguilar said while this growth represents a positive turn of events, it remains to be seen whether the current tourism model and emerging market trends can consistently deliver on rates of growth that have eluded the industry year-on-year for the past twenty years.
He noted, “It must also be recognized and appreciated that our ‘good news,’ while considerably influenced by our own efforts at home, has been jump-started by a significantly improved US economy.”
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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