Prime Minister Perry Christie expressed confidence that his administration has not only arrested Grand Bahama's tourism decline, but has also placed the struggling island on a path of growth, with significant expansion in service into the island from the U.S. via air and sea among the initiatives forecast to impact its economy in the coming year.
While delivering the keynote address at the 23rd Annual Bahamas Outlook at Melia Nassau Beach yesterday, Christie outlined a number of initiatives that are set to take place on the island that will help in bringing economic relief.
Among these are plans by the island's current fast ferry operator, Balearia, to upgrade its existing 400 passenger ferry to a newer and larger 1,200 passenger fast ferry, with the intention of enhancing the travel experience by offering amenities that are not presently available. These include gaming and dining amenities, as well as cabin availability.
"This new, vastly expanded service is to be backed by an aggressive entertainment driven group travel program, in which the theme commences on board after embarkation, continues through the journey and climaxes at the destination, further restoring Grand Bahama's 'magic' as an easy to get to and affordable ' fun' destination for the young at heart, and easily accessible for those who would prefer to sail rather than fly to their vacation choice," he told attendees.
With the new four-star Memories Resort expected to open in just a matter of days, the prime minister revealed that the existing level of bookings has ensured an 80 percent average in occupancy just in the winter season alone, making Grand Bahama a "key destination".
"Our joint venture with the Sunwing/Blue Diamonds Group extends to arrangements for a U.S. summer service aided by Bahamasair facilitating a leased 150-seat B737-400 aircraft, that will provide twice weekly scheduled service from up to eight U.S. cities starting in May of this year, that will ensure a balance of airlift year round as Canadian airlift will shrink significantly during the summer months," according to Christie.
This service will enable new non-stop twice weekly jet services by Bahamasair to Grand Bahama from the following U.S. cities: Columbus, Cincinnati, Birmingham, Memphis, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Richmond, Baltimore and New Jersey.
Christie also confirmed plans to review a number of proposals, including the Ginn development in West End that would provide major attractions to enhance employment and tourism receipts.
"These proposals are now ready for implementation. As part of the strategy to create a compelling tourism product in Grand Bahama, we are currently reviewing proposals to provide major attractions which would also enhance employment and tourism receipts," he said. "My government is also in direct contact with the parties connected to the former Gin development in West End, with a view to reviewing the project."
Christie maintains that the government has been working "assiduously" with a number of major investors which has resulted in major partnerships that will bring about a "resurgence" in Grand Bahama's tourism arrivals.

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