#Freeport, GB, June 3, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost program that The Bahamas has to find a way to distinguish itself from other destinations offering the same product to the same markets.
During
graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in the ballroom of Grand
Lucayan resort, Minister D’Aguilar told the 247 graduates that being able to
have The Bahamas stand alone as a first class tourism destination will require
them to implement all that they have learned in the Bahamahost program.
“We in the Bahamas
boast of beautiful beaches, turquoise seas and year round sunshine,” said
Minister D’Aguilar. “The truth is, we have the right to boast. Fifty-four
shades of blue and the many great wonders of The Bahamas, cannot be compared to
any other land on the planet. We are the magical islands of The
Bahamas.
“Our reality
check, however, is that every other country in the region boasts – as we do –
of having the friendliest people, the same brilliant sunshine, magical waters,
and majestic beaches. We in The Bahamas do not have a monopoly on
sun, sand and sea.
“Like us,
many of the countries in our region have capitalized on these same natural
resources to build a tourism-based economy, and these same destinations in our
region are giving us stiff competition.”
The Tourism
Minister said that what they are realizing at the Ministry of Tourism more each
day is that once the gift of the Bahamas is unwrapped by every visitor and they
get the full experience of the visit, the value of the gift that’s presented
sometimes leaves much to be desired.
He said The
Bahamas of the 21st Century must daily rise to meet the
ever-changing needs of our customers.
“So, here is
the key question of the evening: If the tourist destinations of our region all
have sun, sand and sea in abundance, how can we in The Bahamas possibly compete
and outpace our competitors,” the Minister asked, challenging the graduates.
He submitted
that in order to accomplish that task there are two lanes that must be
navigated successfully.
Firstly, he
offered that successful tourism must be about the delivery of ‘superb,
outstanding, extraordinary, stupendous service.’
“Ladies and
gentlemen, I put it to you that the delivery of quality service is a critical
area in which we in The Bahamas can compete hands down. How do we
attain this lofty reputation for world-class service? Through
commitment.
“It takes
each of us to make a commitment to deliver quality service on our jobs, each
day, to every customer, every time, be they tourist or local.”
Minister
D’Aguilar noted that today’s travelers are no longer looking to park themselves
in a lounge chair on a beach and chill out in the sun for their entire
vacation. He said millennial travelers are a totally different
breed, seeking one of a kind, off the beaten path, transformative experiences.
This change
in traveler demand, according to the Minister, has placed the Family Islands
center stage.
“Today’s
visitors are looking for the kind of vacation experiences that are offered
right here in Grand Bahama, an island with a great city, with family island
charm.”
A second
suggestion the Minister made on how The Bahamas can distinguish its tourism
product from other destinations is that of ‘entrepreneurship.’
“What are
those areas of the Grand Bahama tourism sector that can accommodate new
businesses? What entrepreneurial opportunities out there that might add value
to the visitor experience? When people travel, they want to take home some
memento to remind them of their trip. They’re not looking for the
mass-produced, cookie-cutter souvenirs. They’re seeking authentic products,
with excellent craftsmanship. Offering authentic products and
services must be the goal then.
“Graduates, I
invite you to look around you. Observe what is in your environment, your
culture, your heritage that you can capitalize on, to create and meet the
demand of your visitors.
“Graduates of
Bahamahost, you have acquired the skills and the know-how, to develop your
personal brand and to deliver outstanding customer service. You are now
equipped to take the quality of service that you deliver to the next level.”
Minister
D’Aguliar noted that for over 40 years, the tourism industry-training program
has maintained a high level of commitment to covering the Islands of The
Bahamas with its signature training program, Bahamahost. He pointed
out that the program has survived and thrived, preparing at least three
generations of tourism and hospitality professionals throughout the
Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The program,
he said, has always sought to cultivate a healthy, national identity, where
every citizen promotes and contributes to communal values.
“Graduates,
your successful completion of this over 40-hour training program is evidence
that you understand the national goal of the Bahamahost Program and that you
are fully prepared to return to your work place to give an even higher level of
quality service.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost Program that one of the ways to make The Bahamas’s tourism product stand out from that of other Caribbean countries is to be passionate about it. The Tourism Minister was the keynote speaker during graduation ceremonies for participants of the program on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Grand Lucayan resort.
1st inerst: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, along with Director of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour, enjoy the entertainment that was a part of the graduation ceremony for Bahamahost in Grand Bahama at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
2nd insert: Individuals from each squad of this year’s Bahamahost graduating class who were the top performers of their respective squads, were presented with the Lionel Elliot Awards during graduation ceremonies in Grand Bahama, on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Making the presentations were (in second row) Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (centre); Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (second left); Director at the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour (right); Ian Ferguson, Director of Training & Education, Ministry of Tourism (second right); and Sandra Russell, General Manager, Human Resources and Training (third right).
BIS Photos/Andrew Miller