The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Charter yacht industry participants say the sector can play a key role in converting cruise passengers to higher spending stopover visitors.

Duran Stuart, captain of Margate, speaking at the second annual Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, said the industry allows guests to visit multiple destinations and participate in activities that generate income for the Family Islands.

He explained that yachting can attract wealthy visitors with an organised luxury experience that encourages them to explore the Family Islands through tours and excursions that are provided by Bahamian operators.

He said: “Yachting plays a very important role in the tourism sector. It allows tourists to see more than one on a trip. It is a luxury experience. Guests have fun on board the vessel. We offer lots of activities and, at the same time, we offer excursions when we go to the Family Islands.

"They get to see different things so, when we go to these islands, you’re not going to sit around on the boat all day. You’re going around and actually doing fun stuff.”

Marc Tonis, assistant general manager at Harbour Island's Romora Bay Resort and Marina, added that yacht charters generate income on the Family Islands through provisioning, tours and activities.

He said: “Cruise ships, you know, they come in for a couple of hours and they're gone. With yachting the bonus is they're going from island to island and spending more money into the local economy. Cruise ships are crucial to tourism and help take care of Nassau and Freeport, but yachting can do that for the Out Islands.”

Glenn Fernander, officer in charge at Coco Bahama Seaplanes, said its services allows guests to be transported directly to their yacht or Out Island resorts that are often lacking airlift. He added that Family Island visitors appreciate the additional airlift and ease of travel provided by the service.

“The feedback that we've gotten is persons are very happy about the added airlift and the ease of travel, being able to leave from Nassau and fly direct to their yacht or fly direct to the beach of their resort," he said. "So, with sea planes, we are now able to get to the outer islands easier. There's now added airlift, easier airlift and an opportunity for them to see the outer islands which are the gems of The Bahamas.”