The Tribune

The Bahamian tourism industry and wider economy have been boosted by the hundreds of visitors who descended on Nassau for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.

Players and coaching staff from 16 teams, plus event officials and beach soccer enthusiasts, stayed in the Bahamian capital for two weeks or more.

This was the first time the Beach Soccer World Cup has held in the Caribbean, and the East Bay Street stadium attracted more than 2,000 spectators for each day of the tournament.

Thomas Berli, of Switzerland, said he travelled to the Bahamas with a group just to watch the World Cup. Switzerland was one of the 16 countries vying for the title.

“We enjoyed it very much,” Mr Berli said. “We came with a group of 10. It’s crazy that we’re here to watch this. It’s amazing. It was great.”

Switzerland lost in the semi-finals, but that did not stop the fans from coming out to enjoy the rest of the tournament.

Matt Stanley, of New Hampshire, was vacationing in the Bahamas for three days but spent most of that time at the stadium.

“It’s been great so far. We saw some great matches,” said Mr Stanley. “It’s real exciting soccer on the sand. I am happy that I chose these dates for my vacation during the same time as the World Cup. It’s a great event to come and check out.”

Mareen Guevara 32, who travelled from Trinidad and Tobago, added: “I loved the vibes at the stadium. It was always hype. This is a fun atmosphere. I wish I could watch the finals but I must return to Trinidad.

“This is definitely the kind of events that we need in the Caribbean to build our profile. The Bahamas has done an amazing job pulling this off. And what a beautiful stadium. I’m happy to be here and to witness history in the making. I will definitely be back.”

Like most evenings, the stadium was packed on Sunday for the final games. Iran held off Italy for the third spot, before Tahiti lost in the final against Brazil, making the latter five-time World Cup champions.

A large group of Tahitian fans travelled many miles to support their team to its second consecutive World Cup final, while fans from Brazil dominated the stands.

The finalists were not the only teams to bring large groups to the Bahamas. Fans from Mexico, Panama, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates brought their flags and enthusiasm to Nassau to support their teams.