Bahamas Remains Destination Of Choice

Notwithstanding the numerous recent incidents of crimes against tourists, Tourism Director General Vernice Walkine said recently that it appears tourists are still opting to make The Bahamas their destination of choice.

This, she said, is evident in the increase in passenger arrivals both in the cruise and aviation industries.

The director general reported recently that cruise ship arrivals are up by 15 per cent. Ms. Walkine also touted the success of the ministry’s ‘Companion Free Airfare’ campaign, which she said has already garnered great response with advanced bookings in the thousands.

Ms. Walkine further drew attention to the fact that cruise ship passengers are leaving their ships in droves.

Statistics gathered by the Ministry of Tourism substantiate Ms. Walkine’s announcement, as surveys have shown that about 5,000 passengers have visited the island, particularly the Downtown Nassau area each week since December.

"We just now need to take full advantage of this. With the Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship we are talking about 5,000 people coming off that ship each week and they do in fact get off. In fact we measure and quantify the number of passengers that get off that ship and the numbers have been consistent in the 4,000- 5,000 range," Ms. Walkine said.

"Recently we have seen more passengers in the 5,000 range because the ship has been coming near to capacity as the ship can hold almost 6,000 passengers."

Additionally she said the ministry has been doing well in getting the passengers to come off the ships and to explore the islands of The Bahamas.

"So, we now have an opportunity to get them to spend more money while they are off the ships by giving them more things to spend money on whether it’s new and unique tours and attractions and other activities. It is really a singular opportunity that we have and I really want to encourage all Bahamians to put their ideas forward and think of ways that we can create some special and new things that we can get our visitors to spend more," she said.

Ms. Walkine said the ministry is also excited about the competition of the world famous straw market, which she said the ministry will also begin to promote to get more visitors to come.

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association reported recently that spending by cruise passengers in the Caribbean is up despite the gloomy financial times.

The trade body, which met in St. Lucia sometime ago noted that regional cruise tourism in 2008-2009 generated more than $2.2 billion in direct expenditures.

The FCCA also published the results of a survey of 29 destinations, including Caribbean resorts in Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica.

The US Virgin Islands led all destinations on total expenditures with $384.4 million.

Cozumel, Mexico; The Bahamas; St Maarten; Puerto Rico; the Cayman Islands and Jamaica all had spending above $100 million.