Jacqueline Estevez, chief councillor for South Abaco, yesterday stated that the island is prepared to capitalize on the anticipated jump in visitor arrivals once Delta Airlines launches new routes to the island in December, providing a "sorely needed" catalyst for the area's economy.
Speaking with Guardian Business, Estevez said that while South Abaco has the human capital and natural resources to accommodate the potential 7,200-person boost in annual arrivals, the area is in need of increased government funding for infrastructural improvements if it hopes to meet its full potential.
"We have all of the resources in hand. We have the resorts in place and skilled persons in all of the areas that are needed to accommodate such arrivals. For me, it's a positive step in the right direction. I can see it as a means of job creation on the island.
"Something that we really need is to capture this kind of market and with Delta coming in it will create this robust, vibrant economy, which we sorely need at this time," Estevez said.
Delta will launch a new bi-weekly service from Atlanta, Georgia to Marsh Harbour beginning December 19. Although many see the new route as a boon for the local economy, Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB) Executive Director Kerry Fountain last week warned that local hoteliers and other stakeholders have to undertake significant preparations to ensure a smooth visitor experience. These include infrastructural and logistical improvements associated with hotel bookings and transportation from Marsh Harbour's airport to resorts in more remote Abaconian communities.
Given Abaco's high contribution to the public purse and the island's growing tourism and second home markets, Estevez argued that any government-funded infrastructural projects offer a guaranteed return on the investment as more remote communities vie for the influx of visitors.
"If they can only see the vision and realize that Abaconians are skilled, resourceful people, and if they could give us the same kind of concessions that they offer the foreign investors, we can really make a difference and change the trend that our country is heading in and make a positive impact on the economy," she said.
Estevez, who is due to speak at the Abaco Business Outlook today, said that local communities still need government assistance to bring about broader changes to South Abaco's economy and "transform" South Abaco into a leading tourism destination in The Bahamas.
One of the initiatives Estevez envisioned was to return Sandy Point, Abaco to a port of entry and build a cultural village in the community to attract a broader range of visitors, including those from Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private cay.
"They are bringing in an average of 4,000 passengers when they're in port. We see no reason why we cannot do the same in South Abaco," said Estevez.
Estevez, along with other government and private sector stakeholders, will discuss the island's economic prospects under the theme of "Planning, partnership and productivity" at the Abaco Beach Club in Marsh Harbour tomorrow.
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