Ministry of Tourism (MOT) Grand Bahama and Grand Bahama Island (GBI) Tourism Board officials are elated that the island’s tourism product is on the rebound, following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew last month (October 6).
During a press conference held earlier this week, where tourism officials welcomed the Carnival Valor, the first cruise ship to return to Grand Bahama after the storm.
Director at the MOT Grand Bahama, Betty Bethel, spoke of the return of commerce to GB, particularly with the Carnival Valor resuming their route and the confidence that company has in the island being able to offer sufficient transportation, venues and excursions.
Bethel confirmed that 3,200 persons arrived at the Freeport Harbour Monday, November 7 and she was extremely happy to see the tour operators picking up visitors and taking them to the variety of tours that were back on stream.
“I speak on behalf of our Honourable Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who is very pleased with the recovery efforts, especially with all essential services coming together.
“The change in landscape has not been just day-by-day, but often hour-by-hour. Emirates, the Port Authority and Sanitation – in fact, all the services needed to run a city are up and I just call it miraculous,” Bethel said.
She added that air arrivals are back for the most part, “Bahamasair, American Airlines, Silver and Delta Connection; only Sunwing is on hold as they await the refurbishment of Memories Resort.
“Pre- clearance resumed last Thursday at 6:00 a.m. and as you can see, today, our sea arrivals are back on track with the Pride and the Grandeur of the Sea coming in later this week,” she noted.
Bethel praised the Baleària Ferry Express, which she pointed out never left Grand Bahama, as they initially assisted with cargo and then brought day-trippers soon after the hurricane.
“The Booze Cruise, Bahama Adventurers, Nature Tours, Jeep Tours, Garden of the Groves, Talbort Tours, Pat and Diane, and the Grand Bahama Taxi Union Party Bus are all up and running and they all left the Harbour with business in hand,” Bethel noted.
Pictured from left are Russell Miller, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board and Betty Bethel, Director at the MOT Grand Bahama. (Photo: Jenneva Russell)
The director took time to thank Captain Orlando Forbes (Port Director, Freeport harbor Company) and his team for getting the Harbor safe for the larger ships like Carnival.
“Cruise ships would not come in if there was a threat to their vessel or passengers,” Bethel added.
With under, 900 rooms available on the island presently, Bethel expects 1,300 rooms to be on stream shortly.
Russell Miller, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board said, “This morning has been a tremendous start to business coming back to Grand Bahama; you could see a lot of activity at the Harbor today with Carnival Valor’s return.
“It was encouraging to see the transport, the excursions in place and all offering their service.”
Miller explained that although several of the member hotels experienced quite a bit of damage, as of Monday, Lighthouse Pointe had reopened and although previously all-inclusive, will be running as a mix-use facility, allowing both leisure and all- inclusive.
The Chairman of the GBI Tourism Board noted that despite Castaways and Pelican Bay hotels receiving damages, they were still able to open quickly and have been operating solely for essential service personnel assisting with restoration.
Miller stated that Viva Fortuna, despite major damages is showing tremendous progress and will hopefully reopen soon.
“The Grand Lucayan incurred damages and will not reopen until February 1; however, the big question mark is Memories.
“We are waiting on confirmation, but have been told mid-December; however, we are unable to confirm. Memories is critical to our destination as they are part of the Sunwing Group and offer winter and summer programmers,” Miller informed.
He added that although Old Bahama Bay and the Marina in West End received no damage, they would remain closed due to having no power or water as yet.
“We also feel very good that our beach experiences are up and running – Gold Rock Beach, Bahamas Adventurers, Paradise Cove, UNEXSO and the Garden of the Groves all received some damages, but are up and running now. Slowly, but surely we are heading in the right direction,” Miller assured.
He shared that although the Treasure Bay Casino is ready to open its doors, it has to wait until Memories is back on stream. Miller concluded by stating that the Timeshare resorts are not operational at this time.
Bethel closed out the press conference by speaking of events that will continue as planned, be postponed or moved to a different location.
She confirmed the Faith Fest which was set for October this year, will now be held from March 23 - 26, 2017.
The Tabernacle Basketball Tournament will carry on over the Thanksgiving weekend, Culinary Fusion remains on November 26 as will the X-Treme Intercoastal Marathon set for December.
“Unfortunately, the Junkanoo Jam Basketball Tournament will now be held in Bimini,” Bethel said, adding that at least it is only 15 minutes away.
Bethel was also very grateful that the 30th Annual Conchman Triatholon went ahead this past weekend and marked the first Post-Hurricane event.
“Although we did not see the usual international competitors, we did see some domestic tourism at the event,” Bethel shared.
By: Mia Whylly
Freeport News/Guardian
