Tourism officials are looking to triple traffic into North Eleuthera from 200,000 to 600,000 annually.
Obie Wilchcombe, the minister of tourism, revealed to Guardian Business that he is elated about the new multimillion-dollar development now ongoing in North Eleuthera.
He confirmed that Eleuthera is one of the islands that need special attention, as the Ministry of Tourism looks to double its marketing efforts from $700,000 to $1.4 million.
"Over the past several years, it's been $700,000, but initially we are looking to double that. We also have the marketing tools to make sure that our Internet services provide the exposure that are going to focus and brand the islands. We want to make sure that the world knows that islands like Eleuthera exist. We have an outstanding product that's unique," Wilchcombe said.

In addition to its aggressive marketing campaign, Wilchcombe outlined his ministry's plans to increase airlift into North Eleuthera.
"We will create a campaign that's designed to create greater exposure. In addition, we want to ensure that there is a booking engine in place so that is accessible to the world for visitors to consider visiting the development," according to the tourism minister. "Airlift is going to be a major part of it. We do have pretty good airlift coming into North Eleuthera but we have to make sure that the airports both in North Eleuthera and Governor's Harbour are at a higher standard as far as immediate attention."
However, before that can take place, Prime Minister Perry Christie told Guardian Business that the airport needs to be upgraded.
"The airport needs to be upgraded because it plays a significant role with Harbour Island as a destination. Torres' (Cove Eleuthera Resort) development is going to have to rely on that airport as well as Governor's Harbour, so we have to pay attention to that. To ensure it's successful, Minister Wilchcombe's team needs to be a part of the marketing and trying to create a destination that could be considered in the middle of nowhere," he noted.
On average, North Eleuthera gets anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 visitors on an annual basis. And while these may be encouraging numbers, the tourism is looking to not only triple these numbers, but also increase the amount that they spend while visiting the island as well.
"We are looking to bring the number of arrivals up to 600,000. We also looking to get the money up in the number that they spend," he revealed.
Meanwhile, Wilchcombe further noted that his ministry is talking with a number of airlines, including Bahamasair, about providing more service into North Eleuthera.
"One of our great difficulties is connectivity. They're coming but how do they get to the islands and then there are those cost restraints. If we lower the cost, put the infrastructure in place and allow for visitors to come on," he added.
"When you look at markets such as Europe and Asia prefer these types of resorts. The Latin American market wants to discover The Bahamas. We are going to provide that opportunity by working with our national airline. That's our friendly carrier for The Bahamas. Then, we are working with other airlines to offer new services to The Bahamas."

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian