Harassment of visitors on beaches, the docks and streets, and other elements of "tacky tourism" must be discontinued if the Bahamas' 'bread and butter' industry is to rebound, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said Wednesday.
The Bahamas has lost its edge over competing destinations and has allowed its tourism product to lose its appeal, glow and uniqueness, Mr Wilchcombe told Parliamentarians as the House debated an amendment to gaming laws.
He noted that the Bahamas' diversity, multiple destinations, proximity, culture and people are collectively a unique brand and stand well above the competition.
"It is our challenge then to fine-tune the product and make it even more appealing," said Minister Wilchcombe, who also noted that "the economy of each island in The Bahamas could be strong and robust, if linkages are established."
Mr Wilchcombe said that even though The Bahamas continues to receive a record number of tourists on an annual basis, it has not put in place the formula to insure greater benefit from such numbers.
"It is true that several groups and companies have benefited greatly from tourism, but it is also true that more Bahamians and Bahamian companies could and should benefit, but they haven't, because we have not systematically developed the linkages that will increase opportunity, provide employment and impact our gross domestic product," he said.
Minister Wilchcombe also asked what was being offered to the more than two million tourists who visit Nassau on an annual basis. He noted that The Bahamas will not be competitive in the world community, unless and until the country is prepared to be creative, dynamic and cooperative.
He said Bahamians must be more responsive to the concerns and complaints that are made by its partners, as nothing is more discouraging than being told that the Bahamas has been unresponsive to major matters that have been discussed and outlined by strategic partners in the tourism industry.
"Tacky tourism" must be eliminated and the daily harassment of guests on beaches, at the dock and on streets must become a thing of the past, he said. He said that dialogue will begin with shop owners on Bay Street to discuss ways to improve the look of Bay Street and have it transformed into a "pedestrian walk."
"Dirty sidewalks, derelict buildings should not be features of our main street. Bay Street should be a happy place where Bahamians and tourists alike can walk, and shop, and eat and drink, and create memories that last a lifetime. Bay Street must come alive at night. We must also get the operators of hotels on Cable Beach to join us in an effort to revitalize the Cable Beach strip and create an exciting destination," said the tourism minister.
Minister Wilchcombe said he looks forward to the soft opening of Festival Place, the welcome centre at Prince George Dock and he expects the centre to capture the Bahamian spirit and culture and attract thousands of visiting cruise passengers. He said that it is his belief that Festival Place, managed professionally with quality products and style, will play a significant role in increasing visitor spending.
"We are working out the details and recommendations on the utilization of the booths and space in the centre. We have set November 21 as the day for the soft opening," he said, adding that the entertainment division of the centre will be headed by writer, composer and entertainer, Mr. Fred Ferguson.
"He has been mandated to work with improving the quality of entertainment that is presented as part of the Bahamian experience. He has been asked to work with The Bahamas Musicians Union and to move immediately to improve the presentations at our ports of entry and to establish an entertainment programme for the new welcome centre," Mr Wilchcombe said.
According to Minister Wilchcombe, first class and top Bahamian acts will be to the standard that the Ministry of Tourism will demand. He said it is his hope that with the assistance of the Minister responsible for Culture, that a first class cultural show can be created and staged on weekends at the cultural centrer.
"The show will be sold to hotels. We will employ bus transportation and limousine service to move the guests. The tourism product will be improved," assured Minister Wilchcombe.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
