The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association's (BHTA) June Board and membership meeting drew a record 180-strong attendance for a speech by the Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis.

Members from Andros, Abaco, the Berry Islands, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama and Nassau attended, along with government officials. Those present from the private sector included business owners and operators, and senior executives and entrepreneurs, from hotel properties; destination management companies; service providers; communication companies; public relations and accounting firms; spas; food and liquor wholesalers; attractions; insurance companies; and educators.

"The sheer number of people who came out to hear the Prime Minister speak about the Government's plans and strategies to build a robust tourism economy was telling," said Carlton Russell, BHTA president.

"What was most significant, however, was the vast range of diverse tourism stakeholders gathered in the room that day. It shows how our tourism industry impacts virtually every sector of our economy. The adage, 'Tourism is everybody's business', could not have been better showcased".

The Prime Minister spoke of his administration's plans to introduce a number of initiatives geared towards diversifying the nation's tourism product, and increasing its profitability.

His address spoke of re-energising Nassau and stimulating Grand Bahama's tourism economy through a "workable plan", which included "positioning Freeport and the district of Lucaya as a maritime, sports and wellness destination; east Grand Bahama as an eco-tourism mecca; and west Grand Bahama as a site for culture".

The near 30-minute address incorporated a number of strategies, including "an incentive framework for entrepreneurs which would faciliate local and international access to capital, encourage joint ventures among private interests, facilitate improvements of business advisory, and encourage the cultivation of tools to stimulate Bahamian entrepenuership in tourism".

The Prime Minister's address was well received by BHTA senior executives, members and industry stakeholders. The president's report, given moments earlier by Carlton Russell, reflected similar sentiments, including strategies to further develop, diversify and strengthen the tourism industry.