By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2021 – With all the recent good news signalling that tourism, the economic lifeblood of The Bahamas, is bouncing back strongly from what Bahamas Ministry of Tourism officials describe as “one of the most challenging years” in its history, Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar received his first injection of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Thursday, March 25, physically demonstrating to those Bahamians who still question whether the vaccine is safe that he has full confidence in its efficacy.
The Minister was pictured receiving his injection in two photographs posted on The Tourism Today Facebook page with the following caption: “Thumbs up! Today, the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar received the AstraZeneca vaccine.”
There indeed has been a cluster of good news recently that bodes well for The Bahamas tourism industry. In an article earlier this week, under headline, THE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM REFLECTS ON AN UNPRECEDENTED YEAR AND AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE, the Ministry of Tourism noted: “After enduring one of the most challenging years in history, which devastated The Bahamas’ vital tourism industry and resulted in an unprecedented financial deficit, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation remains unwavering in its commitment to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and help the country move forward to brighter, more prosperous days.
“While this past year has shaken the tourism economy to its very core, a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan and streamlined travel protocols have enabled The Bahamas to rebuild traveler confidence that a seamless and safe vacation is within reach. Nimble marketing and digital initiatives allowed the destination to remain competitive, even within a new virtual landscape, and efforts have led to an average of over 2,000 travel applications a day, a number that is steadily increasing.”
The cluster of recent good tourism news also included the announcement by Minister D’Aguilar on Monday, March 22, that the sale of the Grand Lucayan is on the “cusp” of conclusion, more than one year after a sale and Heads of Agreement was signed between the government and purchasers, according an article in The Tribune.
Mr D’Aguilar said progress was slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding all involved had been pressing for completion.
Meanwhile, RCI President and CEO Michael Bayley stressed that the project was essential for the future growth of not only the company, but its relationship with The Bahamas.
Then there is the blockbuster announcement on Friday, March 19, by Royal Caribbean International that it will begin a summer lineup of 7-night cruises on board Adventure of the Seas in June using Nassau as its new homeport.
“Vacationers now have the chance to island-hop and relish the adventures they have missed, including the first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico,” Royal Caribbean noted in a press release.
Commenting on the announcement, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis said, “As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before.”
The Prime Minister added: “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”
Tourism Minister D’Aguilar noted that Royal Caribbean “has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest homeport.”
“Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism,” Mr. D’Aguilar said. “We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.”
Another indication that The Bahamas is bouncing back strongly from the ravages of COVID-19 was revealed in a caption that accompanied a photo on The Tourism Today Facebook page of Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu, which states: “Director General Joy Jibrilu notes in BHTA Stakeholders Meeting that interest for The Bahamas continues to grow amongst American travelers as more recent data shows that searches from Expedia Group’s North American sites to The Bahamas grew nearly 170% in February 2021.”
The Tourism Today Facebook page also featured a photo of newly appointed Permanent Secretary Reginald Saunders “sharing deep insight on his recently appointed position” during an interview with “The Tourism Today Team.”
