The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE country must focus on generating new tourism products in a bid to remain competitive as more gaming facilities become available around the world. While the sport has never been a primary thrust for the sector, Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace explained that the country could no longer take comfort in being "the only game in town for a vacation." Mr Vanderpool-Wallace's comments come as Florida lawmakers continue their examination of the Destination Resorts Bill, which would bring three Las Vegas-style casino mega resorts to South Florida - and in direct competition with Bahamian hotels. "Obviously, we have little to no control over that," he said. "We recognize that the significant advantage that we had in our part of the world has been eroded through the years, as more and more gaming is available in the US and elsewhere." Mr Vanderpool-Wallace added: "We need to make certain that we have as many new products available to keep competitive." The Florida Bills were passed by a senate committee last week despite considerable opposition from tourism giant Disney, as well as the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward are allowed slot-machine "racinos," but can't have Blackjack and craps tables. If approved, the Bills would allow smaller operations to open full-scale casinos as well. Last week, Robert Sands, senior vice president at Baha Mar, said the company was monitoring the Bill's progress, which still has a long way to go. Kerzner International Bahamas' managing director George Markantonis expressed concern about the proposal last year. He said the establishment of high-end resorts in the immediate area and on US soil would be a problem not just for Atlantis and Baha Mar, but the entire tourism industry of the Bahamas. Mr Vanderpool-Wallace said: "Gaming is unique for us, because it has never been the primary motive for people coming to The Bahamas. They come for our outstanding amenities and will continue to do so." He added: "More competition is inevitable, what we forget is that The Bahamas for a while was the only game in town for vacation. "Tourism is the most competitive business in the world and there is good evidence to support that as it continues to expand."