Caribbean News

GBI Experiences “Robust” 44 Per Cent Increase in Tourists Arrivals

Published

2 months ago

March 4, 2024

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper said in 2023, Grand Bahama Island (GBI) welcomed a total of 559,812 visitors.

“This does not include guests who arrive via Nassau and travel onward to Freeport. This figure is not just a number; it represents a robust 44 per cent increase over the previous year, 2022, and a significant seven per cent increase over the pre-pandemic year of 2019.”

The DPM was speaking at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook held at the Grand Lucayan Convention Center on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Overall, the country had an all-time record of 9.65 million arrivals for the year 2023.

The DPM said Grand Bahama’s achievement is a testament to the resilience and attractiveness of Grand Bahama as a premier tourist destination.

“Grand Bahama is, in fact, the fastest growing destination in The Bahamas by air arrival and the third fastest growing island overall.”

He explained that the diversification in the nation’s tourism product ensures that Grand Bahama remains a versatile and appealing destination for all types of travellers.

The DPM said the cruise sector has also seen phenomenal growth, with 467,215 cruise visitors making GBI their first port of entry.

“This represents a 48 per cent increase over 2022 and 12 per cent above 2019 pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the island’s capacity to host and entertain large volumes of tourists with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.”

He said in terms of aviation and airlift, the opening of the newly renovated domestic terminal on January 2, 2023, marked the beginning of a year of significant progress.

The DPM explained that throughout 2023, GBI experienced a 32 per cent year-over-year increase in air arrivals, and one per cent ahead of pre-pandemic levels. There were enhanced services from key markets such as Charlotte, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Montreal, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Toronto, and even Milan, Italy.

“This expansion in services represents a four per cent increase in seat capacity over 2019 and a remarkable 68 per cent increase over 2022.”

He said looking ahead to the first quarter of 2024, the island is already witnessing continued growth, with American Airlines increasing its frequency into Freeport from Miami, and Western Air scheduled to launch its inaugural Freeport to Ft. Lauderdale service in mid-March.

“This momentum is expected to push our seat capacity for the first three months of 2024 to exceed the levels of 2023 by seven per cent.”

The DPM noted that furthermore, the country is on the cusp of launching the first Aviation Cadets program in partnership with The Bahamas Aeronautical Academy.

“This initiative will not only introduce our youth to the exciting world of aviation, but will also equip them with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the field, ensuring the sustainable development of our aviation sector.”

He added, “This year we sent two young Bahamian women on full scholarships to Qatar Aeronautical Academy. Hopefully, we will be able to create more opportunities for young people especially in the GBI and Family Islands.”

The DPM said, “The strides we have made and the plans we have in place are a clear indication of our commitment to elevating Grand Bahama to new heights.”

Caribbean News

FCCA launches Owen Arthur Scholarship

Published

15 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter

May 9, 2024 – The FCCA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has launched an annual scholarship in honor of former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who played a significant role in advancing the cruise trade association’s vision.

The annual gift of US$25,000 will be awarded to a different Caribbean destination each year to support the work of either an educational institution or a nonprofit organization chosen by the destination.

Barbados will receive the inaugural Owen Arthur scholarship, and next year’s scholarship destination winner will be announced at the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner’ during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.

“I am honored that the Foundation can continue the legacy of The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who truly inspired my career and empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Hopefully this scholarship can live up to his memory by providing a platform for future generations in the region.”

Caribbean News

Barbados remembers SIDS process, celebrates the life of Ambassador Miles Stoby

Published

16 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter

May 9, 2024 – The historic UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States (SIDS) brought global attention to the significant challenges faced by small islands, underscoring that their concerns were big issues for all.

On April 26, several key figures who contributed to the 1994 Barbados meeting gathered in Bridgetown to commemorate its 30th anniversary. The outcome of the 1994 meeting was the Barbados Program of Action, which delineated how the world community should address the unique vulnerabilities of islands, particularly in response to climate change.

Despite initial reluctance from powerful UN members to hold more than one SIDS conference, subsequent gatherings in Mauritius and Samoa and a fourth global conference scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024 are a testament to some of the successes of the SIDS process.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the international community will convene to review the sustainable development progress of SIDS and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to accelerate their journey toward resilient prosperity.

The Barbados meeting last month provided a reflective journey for many, as attendees, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, paid tribute to the late Ambassador Miles Stoby of Guyana, the visionary behind the initiative and for whom Barbados was, fittingly, a second

Caption: Ambassador Lyutha al Mughairy (widow of Ambassador Miles Stoby) greets Garth Sandiford, son of late Barbados Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford. Looking on are Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former UN Under-Secretary General Peter Hansen.

Caribbean News

CTO Sustainable Tourism meeting successful

Published

16 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter

May 9, 2024 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), held April 22-24 at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort was a resounding success.

The conference is the Caribbean’s foremost event for high-level networking and dialogue on sustainable tourism, providing a crucial platform for tourism policymakers, private sector stakeholders, thought leaders, and strategic partners to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

The meeting highlighted the essential pillars necessary for creating a transformative and regenerative legacy under the theme “The 5 Ps for a Legacy of Caribbean Tourism Sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose & Partnership”.

Thought-provoking addresses from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, set the stage for discussions about the future of Caribbean tourism.

PM Mitchell stressed the need to include a broader array of stakeholders in the tourism conversation, while Stewart highlighted the importance of partnerships and unity within the sector. The conference was marked by authentic displays of Grenadian culture and dynamic panel sessions.

Caption: Adam Stewart of Sandals Resorts International delivered the keynote address.

The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter