The Tribune

The newly-formed Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) has identified land rental tours and farm-to-table businesses among the entrepreneurial opportunities available to Abaconians.

Janet Johnson, the corporation’s chief executive and executive director, told a Why Tourism Matters workshop in Marsh Harbour, held in partnership with the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, that the industry offered numerous spin-off business possibilities.

She said eco tours, farm tours, souvenir stores, authentic Bahamian tours, more dining options in Treasure Cay and a grocery store were among the areas ripe for exploitation.

“The TDC intends to be very engaged, working with our corporate partners,” Ms Johnson said. “We’ve created a TDC Abaco Entrepreneurs Whatsapp group, and they’re all participating.

“A few Abaconian businesses participated in Jollification last weekend, and I’ve taken photos to encourage others to think about growing and expanding their products to festivals in Nassau. We also have similar chat groups with entrepreneurs in Bimini, and we intend to systematically grow our reach across the islands of The Bahama.”

Ms Johnson said the corporation’s creation was a good step, and added: “We have a lot to do. The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) has been very good at promoting The Bahamas abroad but has done little to look at the domestic situation, build capacity and get more Bahamians involved in ownership of the tourism business.

“That is now the job of TDC to explore the linkages and show Bahamians what the potential is to improve their quality of life and work for themselves.”

Ken Hutton, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce’s president, said: “The event was important for Abaco because it allowed tourism operators and suppliers to know that there are funding and support facilities available to them to grow and expand their existing business, and for entrepreneurs looking to gain a foothold in the Abaco market. There are options outside of commercial banks for funding and investment.”

The TDC has developed out of the former Hotel Corporation, and is a new arm of the Ministry of Tourism with a mission to increase Bahamian ownership. The Tourism Development Corporation intends to visit and conduct an assessment of all 16 major islands.