The government has around 10 "significant projects that have the potential to impact tourism" which are currently under consideration, with a possibility of them coming on-stream in the next 12 to 15 months, according to Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Corporation David Johnson.
Among the projects yet to receive final approval, but which could have a "value-added" effect on surrounding hotels if approved, is a retail and entertainment project, which Johnson described as a "destination attraction".
While not wishing to go into extensive detail on the proposal, as negotiations with the developers are ongoing, Johnson said it would be a New Providence-based development "that creates a bit of a village or town center around which retail, entertainment and other things occur".
He added: "The idea is that it would bring to life an area that was not there before, and it supports the resort nearby and everything else."
Other projects are close to receiving final approval in Exuma, Abaco, Bimini and Grand Bahama, added Johnson. He said the projects "run the gamut" in terms of what type of development they would involve, from boutique resorts to more large-scale hotels, or tourism-related developments that do not involve creating new hotel rooms.
"I can think of about 10 or so significant projects that have the potential to impact tourism that we are currently involved with," said the tourism official, who served as director general of tourism until June of this year, when he was moved to take over the newly-established Tourism Development Corporation (TDC). The TDC subsumed the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas.
Johnson said that the retail/entertainment development would likely involve a "joint venture" between the government and the developer if it moves ahead.
"The real estate is not owned by anyone, so it has to be jointly agreed. It fits into a kind of joint venture opportunity."
The TDC CEO said he supports the government doing more to ensure The Bahamas is a "more attractive location with more to do".
"Then the (new hotel) rooms come hereafter. It also makes it easier for an existing resort," he said.
Johnson said that the government is "close to committal" on the projects and should be making further announcements shortly.

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