Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: D’Aguilar lists ‘myriad’ of opportunities for self-employment in tourism/hospitality industry
#Nassau, July 9, 2019 – Bahamas – The tourism and hospitality industry has the potential to create self-employment opportunities for those Bahamians with an entrepreneurial mindset, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar said.
“Beach and sea are our destination’s strongest selling points, so any business that is beach or sea-based is guaranteed to be successful, with good management, of course,” Minister D’Aguilar said.
Addressing educators attending the 16th Education Industry Internship Programme, hosted by the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) at Choices Restaurant, University of The Bahamas, Mr. D’Aguilar outlined a myriad of business/economic/entrepreneurial opportunities open to Bahamians in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The Industry Internship Programme is a partnership between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and the University of The Bahamas and was designed to provide educators with hands-on experience in the tourism industry in an effort to enhance classroom delivery.
Minister D’Aguilar said 6.6 million tourists visit the islands of The Bahamas annually. He said the numbers present so many layers of operations and opportunities involved in accommodating those guests.
“We have to welcome them, transport them, lodge them, engage them in fun, memorable activities, rejuvenate them, provide retail opportunities for them, and the list goes on,” Minister D’Aguilar said.
Minister D’Aguilar said additional business opportunities available for Bahamian entrepreneurs range from adventure tours with a thrill to the wellness industry, island-hopping excursions, authentic souvenirs, culinary tourism, business opportunities linked to agriculture and fisheries – particularly as it relates to organic products, and family entertainment, among others.
“Visitors tend to travel with their families meaning that we need more businesses catering to family entertainment,” Minister D’Aguilar said. “What is there for visitors to do when it rains? Emerging entrepreneurs, put on your thinking caps. Visitors want mementos to show their friends that they’ve been to The Bahamas, but not just any kind of mementos, they want high quality, superbly crafted, authentic souvenirs. The raw materials for authentic souvenirs are all around us, in our environment.
“Adventure tours with a thrill, tapping into the wellness market, bird-watching, heritage tourism are all business ideas with lots of potential. Then there is Volunteer tourism. There are a lot of conscientious travelers who want to give back to the community in the host countries they travel to. Imagine developing a vacation package that combines touristic activities and volunteer work with a charitable organization or an agency that focuses on caring for the environment.”
Minister D’Aguilar said Culinary Tourism is another area “ripe” with potential.
“Ask Goombay House and any of the local tours that have integrated food tasting. We need to feed the hundreds of thousands of guests who stay in our resorts, hotels and guesthouses. Today’s travelers have a definite preference for food made from organic produce. At this moment, we are importing close to 100 percent of the food consumed in the country. The field of agriculture and fisheries is wide open for development. So is landscaping. One of the strengths of our destination is that we have multiple islands. An excursion that offers guests the opportunity to island hopis a winning business idea.”
Minister D’Aguilar said another development that bodes well for the future of global tourism is the change in mindset of today’s traveller — comprised in growing numbers of the under-40 age set, the millennials – who view travel as a right, not a luxury. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international travelers will total 1.8 billion by the year 2030.
“That means that one in five persons in the world is on the move, traveling around the globe. More people today are traveling for leisure than at any time in the history of mankind.”
“Come what may, they will travel.”
By Matt Maura
Release: 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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