The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) president says “diversity is important” after this nation signed an agreement with Emirates Group to promote its largest industry.

Robert Sands told Tribune Business that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the group, which includes Emirates Airlines, to push Bahamian tour packages and airline connectivity was a “positive sign”.

“I think the development of tourism globally, and from multiple markets, is a very positive position for The Bahamas, and we’ve always spoken about wanting a greater share of business from other parts of the world,” he added.

“There’s no question that the significant part of our business currently comes from North America and Canada, and from states within that particular geographical area. Diversity is very important, and also allows The Bahamas brand to be developed globally.

“So, any initiative that takes place is a positive for tourism; the numbers will grow over a period of time. That part of the world is known as having a reputation for high-net-worth travellers, and the more business this destination can get, we will be the beneficiaries of a growing tourism sector.”

Hotels finding ways to benefit from this arrangement will be critical, but Mr Sands felt this will be a seamless process. “Booking for business is so much different today. There are multinational organisations that have their footprint in many destinations, and are connected to many tour operators,” he added.

“A number of these hotels already have contracts with Internet providers such as Expedia.com or Booking.com, etc… They will find their way into these various programmes that exist. Plus there are many opportunities in which different hotels and different hotel brands can contract with these various entities around the world.”

Muna Issa, SuperClubs Breezes managing director, added: “This is excellent news. The more new gateways that open up, the better for tourism. I would hope that we are included in the Ministry of Tourism’s development plan, and look forward to having travel agents visit Breezes when the FAM (familiarisation) trips are arranged.

“We will play whatever part we are asked to play by the Ministry of Tourism. No one has contacted us yet to discuss, but I assume this is because it is still a new plan that is still being developed. We are here willing and able to assist in whatever way possible.”