The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM officials yesterday said they are hoping to attract a “routine arrival” of cruise ships to the southern Bahamas, as they bid to increase annual visitor numbers to a total of seven million.

Speaking with Tribune Business at a ceremony in Chester’s, Acklins, to mark the arrival of more than 100 passengers aboard the luxury cruise liner, Noble Caledonian Island Sky, Obie Wilchcombe, minister of tourism, said such visits could spark tremendous economic benefits for Family Island economies.

The Island Sky set sail from Miami, and is now on a 14-day itinerary through the northern Caribbean and the Bahamas. The majority of its passengers are European, with some from Australia.

“There is a natural beauty to Acklins. There was an event here a couple months ago, and now they’re coming back,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“What we want to do is try and cause for a routine visit here, whether it’s once a quarter or once every month or every two months; something to help generate economic activity. Most of the islands are empty because people have left in search of activity. We we have to find ways to generate economic growth and development.”

He added: “One visit could mean a tremendous economic benefit to the island. If we could cause a routine arrival of cruise ships between the southern Bahamas and southern countries, we would be in great shape.”

Speaking to expectations for cruise arrivals this year, Mr Wilchcombe said: “In so far as cruise arrivals are concerned, we’re up again. It’s continuing to grow. We have seen Norwegian Cruise Lines add a new vessel, travelling between Nassau and Miami. We expect a very good year for sea arrivals.”

Regarding air arrivals, Mr Wilchcombe said: “Air arrivals are looking good for this year. We knew last year it would be a bad year, but already we’re already off to a good start.

“Grand Bahama is already up by 5,000 visitors for the month of January. We’re not going to be satisfied until we get to the seven million mark.”