The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister says the two Hurricane Dorian-ravaged islands have seen a “remarkable rebound” in air arrivals following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said Abaco saw an 11.9 percent increase in air arrivals in 2024 while Grand Bahama enjoyed an 8.7 percent increase that beat 2019 and 2023 numbers.

“There has been 8.7 percent growth reported in air arrivals in Grand Bahama, second only to Abaco with an 11.9 percent growth over 2023. This indeed is cause for celebration, given the devastation, and ought to be heralded in the wake of the pre-Dorian and pre-COVID level results. This is truly a remarkable rebound,” said Mr Cooper.

He added that the southern islands are seeing “modest growth”, constrained mainly by a lack of rooms and airlift, but Bahamasair is now providing service into Inagua and San Salvador, with the latter also attracting new direct airlift from France.

“We’re seeing modest growth in these islands, and they are constrained in some cases by lack of room capacity, and also in some cases by lack of connectivity. Ragged Island, for example, has one small resort with about eight rooms, and they are full for several months out of the year, mainly focused on fly fishing,” Mr Cooper said.

“It is in Inagua, for example, rich in wildlife and heritage, and an eco-touristic hub, that we are going to continue to push. Bahamasair now services this area. Of course, Acklins, Crooked Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, all have great opportunities for fly fishing and game fishing, and Club Med, as you know, is in San Salvador and bringing new airlift directly from France and elsewhere. Therefore we are seeing steady progress in these islands.”

Mr Cooper explained that although all destinations in The Bahamas are promoted, each must have their “unique feel” and it is important to not over develop Family Islands and ensure all projects are done sustainably.

“We promote our 16 island destinations. Certainly, we do not want Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana to look and feel like Nassau. We want every island to have a unique feel. We want there to be sustainable tourism. We do not want that to be over tourism in any of these areas, and therefore we support growth by entrepreneurs, but we also manage the overall development to ensure that it’s a sustainable approach that we’re taking,” said Mr Cooper.

“We are seeing steady progress in all of these areas, and we will be going to these areas actively, the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Corporation, to encourage more participation in the tourism business.”

Latia Duncombe, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, said the 2025 strategic plan is focused on attracting more stopover visitors, increasing airlift and promoting diverse and sustainable tourism products.

She said tourism is the “engine” of the Bahamian economy and the ministry aims to create 16 self-sustaining, economically viable destinations that will preserve our culture and empower Bahamians at every level.

“As the Bahamas builds on a record-breaking year in tourism, we are strategically focused on maintaining our momentum in 2025, increasing stock over arrivals, expanding airlift and ensuring that more Bahamians benefit directly from tourism,” said Mrs Duncombe.

“Tourism is the engine of our economy, driving job creation and business opportunities across all of our islands. While we celebrate the continued success of our visitor numbers, our 2025 strategy and focus is very clear, attracting more stopover visitors, enhancing connectivity through increased airlift and promoting a more diverse and sustainable tourism product that benefits all animals.”

Mrs Duncombe said the sales strategy is focused on attracting more business through market diversification by expanding airlift and seat capacity, and strengthening international partnerships.

“Our sales strategy for 2025 is highly targeted, data driven and focused on increasing stopover arrivals through strategic partnerships, enhanced airlift and aggressive engagement with our travel industry stakeholders,” said Mrs Duncombe.

“Our goal is to drive more business to all of the islands in The Bahamas and to ensure market diversification. This will be achieved through strengthening partnerships and increased bookings under market penetration, airlift expansion, ensuring accessibility and increasing seat capacity.”