Bahamas News
Bahamas Received Record Stopover and Cruise Visitors in 2018
#Nassau, June 6, 2019 – The Bahamas continues to exhibit a level of tourism sector performance that has translated into positive economic growth for the country, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told House Members, Thursday.
There have been historic increases in overall foreign visitor arrivals — stopover visitors and cruise visitors in 2018.
The Tourism and Aviation Minister reported that stopover visitors to The Bahamas grew by 16.7 per cent in 2018 over 2017. By comparison, global tourism visits increased by 6 per cent.
Delivering his contribution to the 2019/2020 Budget Debate that opened Wednesday in the House of Assembly (June 5), Minister D’Aguilar said the growth in visitor arrivals (within the past two years) has been nothing short of exceptional.
“In fact, I deemed 2018 a historic year for the Bahamian economy in that 6.6 million foreign visitors made The Bahamas their vacation destination –the most foreign visitors to come to The Bahamas in any one year in the history of this country!” Minister D’Aguilar said.
“In 2017, 6.1 million foreign visitors came to The Bahamas — almost half a million more visitors came to The Bahamas in 2018 versus 2017.
“Mr. Speaker, if you delve further into the numbers, you will see that The Bahamas was firing on all cylinders in its tourism sector in 2018. If one were to look at the cruise stats, The Bahamas received almost 4.9 million cruise passengers or just over 13,000 every single day. Approximately half of those 4.9 million cruisers were on itineraries that made two or three stops in The Bahamas. So, those 4.9 million cruise passengers made 7.3 million visits to various destinations in The Bahamas in 2018 or 20,000 visits every single day.
“Never in the history of The Bahamas did we receive as many cruise passengers as we did in 2018. And remember, Mr. Speaker, I stopped the payment of any rebates to the cruise companies to bring cruise passengers to Nassau and, guess what, Mr. Speaker, they kept on coming! That should save the taxpayer $12 million a year! It is amazing, Mr. Speaker, what happens when you get business people with sense running your government!”
Minister D’Aguilar said while the news as it relates to cruise visitors was fantastic and exciting, stopover visitor arrivals were “off the chain in 2018.”
Stopover visitors, Minister D’Aguilar explained to House Members, generally come to The Bahamas by air, take a taxi to their hotel, stay 3-to-4 nights in a hotel, shop in local stores, dine in local restaurants, gamble in local casinos and go on an excursions “touching Bahamians time and time again.”
“We love cruise passengers but we love stopover passengers even more since our studies reveal that they spend 20 times more that a cruise passenger. (And) So, when I stand here today and say that our stopover passengers grew by over 220,000 in 2018 or a whopping a 16.7% when compared to 2017, that is significant!”
Minister D’Aguilar said by comparison, global tourism visits increased by 6 percent to 1.4 billion visits.
“So, the world grew by 6 percent and The Bahamas grew by 16.7 percent. Regionally, the Caribbean received 25 million visits in 2018 — down 2.3 percent in visits over the preceding year probably due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma and Maria.
“Once again, never in the history of The Bahamas did we have as many stopover visitors as we did in 2018. So, a record in cruise visitors! And now a record in stopover visitors! Now you understand why I was named Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year in 2018. They simply could not pick anyone else!” Minister D’Aguilar added.
By Matt Maura
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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