The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tibunemedia.net

Ian Rolle, chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, said tourism numbers there are “finally joining the party”.

Speaking at the Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association general meeting yesterday, Mr Rolle said although Grand Bahama has previously been “lonely” - while tourism on other islands not affected by hurricanes such as Frances, Jean and Dorian “flourished” - this year the island is showing a rebound.

He said: “Grand Bahama has been feeling very lonely for a while as we watched our neighbouring islands who were not affected by Mother Nature flourishing or starting to flourish in regards to tourism stats, but it is a great pleasure to state that we are finally joining the party.”

He said air and sea arrivals to Grand Bahama increased by 65 percent, room occupancy has increased by 20 percent and there are now about 1,500 rooms available.

He said: “As at September 2023, air and sea arrivals increased by 65 percent, air only increased by approximately 44 percent.

“Available hotel rooms, timeshare accommodations have some 1,500, so we need greater inventory but we are working on that… room occupancy increased by 20 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

“We have over 40 experiences and attractions available and over 120 restaurants and bars.”

He also expressed optimism that Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key which is slated to open in 2025 will bring in an additional two million cruise passengers annually and further increase traffic on the island.