The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry’s promotional efforts in the Florida market were beginning to pay dividends, telling Tribune Business: “We’re regaining our place in Florida.”

“Our efforts in the Florida market have been going very well. We are regaining our place in Florida,” said Mr Wilchcombe, noting that the Bahamas had lost some of its market share there.

“Florida is growing. The economy is about one of the fastest growing in the US, and it is associated with the sports. The Miami Heat has done well to cause for their promotion and, of course, Miami is becoming a major hub.”

Mr Wilchcombe said his ministry has been partnering with major Florida sports franchises, such as the Miami Heat and the Miami Dolphins, in its promotional push. As part of a five year contract with the Miami Dolphins organisation, the Bahamas received major exposure at a recent Miami Dolphins game at Sun Life Stadium.

“What we are doing is trying to connect to make sure that we get a lot of that business, whether it is the Miami Heat, the Miami Dolphins or the Florida Panthers. We’re going to be working with them as well in getting our message out in the Florida market. I think we are making good progress,” said Mr Wilchcombe.

“We had a very good Christmas. I think 2014 will be a very strong year for us in tourism. I think we have turned the corner and you will see good growth in the capital and in Grand Bahama, which we have not seen in a long time.”