The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia,net

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe says that tourism growth in Grand Bahama is moving in the right direction, with positive results in both air and cruise arrivals.

He attributed the improvement in airlifts to Sunwing and the increased cruise arrivals to the Grand Celebration cruise line and Balearia fast ferry.  

Mr Wilchcombe reported that there have been greater hotel occupancy levels on the island due to the combined arrivals by air and sea. “We have been able … to get our hotels going again and (our) airlifts up," he said.

The minister said cruise numbers are also up by more than 30,000 already for 2015, particularly as it relates to Grand Celebration over the last year.

“So year to year we are continuing to move. The last good year we had was in 1986 when the numbers were very good, but these are the best combined years of cruise and airlift,” he explained. "I am very confident that the numbers will continue to grow."

Mr Wilchcombe noted that a number of major events are expected to take place in Grand Bahama, including a major concert which is being discussed and which could attract thousands. He also they are working to bring several sporting events to the island.

He indicated that a marathon is expected to take place in November and efforts are being made to get basketball and football events for the summer.    

“We are working closely with the Miami Dolphins, we are also trying to get Jeff Rogers Basketball Camp to come here because he always brings the big stars of the NBA," he said. The ministry is working with celebrities such as Michael Jordan and Tom Brady in co-branding the Bahamas.

“We are also working to bring other athletes as part of our co-branding exercise and getting information out about the Bahamas. We had the Legends in Nassau over the weekend, and we also brought the Miami Heat down for training camp and it was outstanding.”

 Mr Wilchcombe said that LeBron James and other players tweeting about the Bahamas helps to promote sports tourism. 

“We started the year with Pure Silk LPGA Classic, we will have many things in the middle and we will end the year with Tiger Woods and the Hero Golf Challenge Championship with 5,000 people coming to watch it,” he said.