Statistics show that tourism is a major industry both internationally and nationally. According to the Greater Caribbean 2004 Survey, over 32 million tourists, cruise and stopovers passengers visited the Caribbean islands in 2001. The Bahamas, being one of the major heavyweights in the Caribbean, attracted approximately 13% of these visitors.
As the number one industry in the Bahamas, Tourism is essential to sustaining economic growth and community development. It is estimated that this industry accounts for about 60% of the nation’s gross domestic product and employs about two-thirds of the total workforce. A very essential industry huh! But are we really giving this industry the focus and attention that it deserves? Are we doing everything possible to ensure that this industry thrives and maintains or improves its competitive position?
A little History: The local tourism market has gone through tremendous transformation over the past 25 years. Back in the early 1980s, of the number of tourists that visited our shores, about 32% were cruise ship passengers and the remaining 68% were stopover passengers. The visitor count grew from 1.7 million in 1980 to about 5.0 million today, 71% of which arrive by sea or cruise ship and the remaining 29% arrive by air. This major inversion has significant implications for the tourism product and The Bahamas at large.
Back when almost 70% of the visitors were stopovers it was expected that the Government would focus on the number of hotel rooms. While hotel rooms are still very important, it is now time for our tourism officials to begin to put more emphasis on our sea or cruise visitors. These leisure trips without overnight stays are of major economic importance for the local industry as they are mainly shopping and pleasure trips.
Transforming the local tourism product: The primary beneficiary of cruise ship visitors are the duty-free shops, the tour bus operators, the straw vendors and nearby restaurants and park attractions.
However, while tourism is a major generator of income and jobs locally, there exist many challenges to overcome if the industry is to maintain its competitive edge.
Firstly, The Bahamas’ tourism centre, downtown Nassau, is in desperate need of a facelift. Also there are too many vacant dilapidated buildings, most of which are east of Bay and East Street. The Nassau Development Board comprising of delegates from downtown businesses, various governmental departments and the Tourism Development boards have announced a programme to improve the appearance of downtown Nassau. It is estimated that the improvement project, which includes cleaning of the sidewalks, new signage and streetscape enhancements, will cost approximately $1.5 million. The implementation of this improvement programme should become a priority of the Government as down-town Nassau, given the current visitor arrival trend, is the lifeblood of The Bahamas’ tourism industry. Additionally, the Government needs to develop a strategy for the ongoing revitalisation and development of the downtown Nassau.
Secondly, it is imperative that the straw vendors be removed and relocated to a permanent, more modernised building. At its current location, the straw market is losing its economic importance. The Government has begun construction of a new straw market, which is estimated to cost approximately $10 million – $15 million. It is anticipated that the two-phased construction project will be completed over an 18-month period. Completion of the Straw Market should also be a priority for the Government as it is one of the main attractions on Bay Street.
It is therefore imperative that the Government and private enterprises join forces to get the straw market functioning effectively once again. A visitor attraction is a valuable addition to a vacation experience. If the Government is successful in returning the straw market to its ‘glory days,’ it can serve as a catalyst and motivation for attracting even more tourists to The Bahamas.
Attention must also be given to the development of natural tourism (ecological recreational activities) and cultural tourism (cultural cuisine, craft and entertainment). Cruise ship passengers spend on average six to eight hours at a port.
If we are to give these visitors an experience that will make them want to return again and again it is imperative that we develop the infrastructure needed to satisfy and stimulate them during their short visit.
Perhaps it is now time to develop a national park, in close proximity to the cruise ships’ harbour that will display our national symbols. The national park would definitely assist in the development of sustainable recreation. Short-term excursions could be arranged to the park for a fee, which could be used for the continual upkeep and development of the park. An excellent approach for cultural tourism is to strive to integrate the visitor into the way of life of the Bahamian community.
The goal should be to expose these tourists to our local cuisine, music and arts and craft from the moment they leave the ship. To give them an experience during their short stay that would possibly encourage them to stay longer during their next visit.
Conclusion: While it is the Government’s responsibility to provide an environment that will encourage visitor arrivals, continued development of this most vital industry would require the efforts of all stakeholders inclusive of Bahamian citizens and residents and private enterprises. The strategies developed to protect and improve this industry, must benefit locals economically and culturally and be economically feasible if the private sector are to support and benefit from them.
Finally, we want to commend tourism officials for the job they are doing. While there are challenges, we are confident that with the necessary funding and with the implementation of a clear national tourism strategy, our tourism industry will continue to create jobs and wealth and contribute to economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development in The Bahamas.
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From: The Nassau Guardian
