The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Tourism reports that the “nature tourism product” is in good condition and continues to draw visitors to Grand Bahama, despite closures of major resort properties.

Even though many of the major properties are still closed because of significant hurricane damage, tourism public relations official Brooke Grant said visitors remain eager to visit the island.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Unit conducted an extensive assessment of various eco-tourism sites to see first-hand the state of many of the island’s most frequently accessed nature trails and beach access points.

The assessment exercise began on November 4 with the national park at Peterson’s Cay, an off-island site known for its beautiful coral reef systems and untouched natural landscape.

“The national park has always been a favourite among tour companies,” said Mrs Grant.

Calabash Ecoadventures escorted a tourism team, along with a visiting couple from Germany, to the park at Peterson’s Cay. The group participated in a kayak and snorkel tour.

Mrs Grant said that despite the state of the island at the time, the German couple’s plans to visit Grand Bahama were not derailed by the closure of many of the major properties and tourist hubs.

“Cancelling their trip to the island was never an option as the two visitors had booked their travel online through Air B&B, which allowed them to secure lodging at an apartment complex that suited their preference,” she said.

Mrs Grant noted that there were drastic changes to the island’s topography and its tourism economy due to Hurricane Matthew.

She stated that Grand Bahama is known for its diverse offering of soft adventure experiences from east to west, appealing to a cross section of travellers.

“The resiliency of Grand Bahama island’s nature tourism product remains a force to be reckoned with,” she said.

She said the Sustainable Tourism Unit set out on an extensive assessment of various popular nature-based tour sites and beach access points on Grand Bahama.

Jeffrey Pinder, senior executive for sustainable tourism, said that tour companies were able to make an impact almost immediately, helping the economy of Grand Bahama.

“There were some damage to the coral reefs and the park but what was most important is that the changes to the environment were not a concern for the visitors; this is what we want to ensure,” he said.

In addition to the assessment, Mr Pinder said the purpose of the exercise was also to help provide exposure for the eco-tour operators by placing them on website www.bahamasgeotourism.com, an eco-tour specific website that delivers information to visitors interested in “off the beaten path experiences.”

The website is a joint venture between the Ministry of Tourism and National Geographic for ecotourism related information.

Mr Pinder reported that there are over 11 direct eco-tour operators who rank from first to ninth place in the top ratings on Trip Advisor, an international travel website.

“The focus of the exercise is to help them get the word out that they are ready and operating,” he said.

Shamie Rolle, owner of Calabash Ecoadventures, explained that Hurricane Matthew caused some damage when it hit in October, but it also helped nature.

“Before the hurricane came through, the reef was bleaching because the water was very warm causing a (discolouration) of the coral; what the hurricane did was lower the temperature and keep the environment healthy,” Mr Rolle said.

Calabash Ecoadventures was able to resume operations within two weeks after Hurricane Matthew.

The other Grand Bahama eco-tour companies that are fully operational are Blue Green Outdoors; Paradise Cove; UNEXSO; Grand Bahama Nature Tours; CocoNutz Cruisers; Reef Tours, among others.