In the March issue of Caribbean Travel & Life magazine, The Bahamas, among other Caribbean countries and luxurious locales, is on a list of “dreamy” and “romantic beaches.”
On the list of 50 best beaches, Treasure Cay Beach in Abaco, is highlighted as the scenic shoreline. And, along with the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, Harbour Island is rated as having one of the most romantic beaches in the region. Abaco appears twice in the magazine, when Great Guana Cay was featured as one of the best “party beaches.”
Despite these good reviews, The Bahamas, known for its friendly people, was out-ranked by Jamaica.
The magazine article reads: “Being friendly comes easily to Jamaicans, who always seem ready with a smile and a laugh. They are genuinely proud of their island home and are eager to welcome tourists. The mellow, ‘no problem’ vibe is real.”
And, Bajans were also noted for their “English-style hospitality.”
Turks and Caicos, who recently constructed a sea terminal, were labeled as the “Best Undiscovered Destination.” The magazine article read, “With building on Providenciales in full boom, it seems the Turks and Caicos Islands can’t be considered undiscovered for much longer.”
As for The Bahamas, the “rainbow-coloured, funky” Compass Point was rated the third best small hotel, along side a top-rated resort in Jamaica. And, Atlantis Paradise Island Resort topped the list of family resorts, ahead of resorts in Turks and Caicos and Virgin Gorda.
These bitter sweet ratings are being closely watched by the Ministry of Tourism, which has recently revamped the country’s marketing scheme through commercials and ongoing talks with American and international travel agencies.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian Monday, Tourism’s Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the ministry welcomes the assessment, but noted that other competitive countries go unrecognised.
For this reason, he said, “Bahamians must appreciate what the world has begun to see in our country, the importance of the tourism industry, to our country, to our growth and to our development. And, we must respond accordingly.”
In January, tourist arrival numbers was 396,981, compared to 379,874 during the same period last year.
Although the country has seen a five per cent increase in tourist arrivals for the month of January compared to last year and a 11 per cent increase in air and sea arrivals for the capital and Paradise Island, the minister stressed the need for “tourism ambassadors” to improve their attitudes.
“That is why every single day we are focused on ensuring that we improve our attitudes. Deliberately showing that in our country that when it comes to tourism, it is an important industry to us and helps us to exploit our country,” Mr Wilchcombe said, adding, “And, we want to make the tourism industry a great ‘introducer’ and ensure that those directly involved in the tourism product are delivering this.”
Last year the ministry launched its SMART programme, directed toward taxi drivers, straw vendors, hair braiders, ferryboat operators, jet ski operators and others, who are considered the ambassadors of the industry.
Mr Wilchcombe said the initiative has “pushed” the ministry’s efforts to improve attitudes of those ambassadors, instill in their minds that they are the best in the region and provoke positive reactions from visitors.
“Anything God gives us we have to appreciate it. We have to take care of it. We have to protect it and we have to use it for the benefit of The Bahamas,” he said.
In recent months, the country has been the backdrop of several Hollywood productions, and, according to the minister, there is more to come.
“There are a number of things that are happening and all that contributes to the work we’re doing with our marketing and partnership with the private sector and anything we can to make this tourism industry successful,” Mr Wilchcombe said.
There are negotiations being finalised for “major productions” in Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and several in New Providence.
In addition, tourism officials will also travel to New York in June to the Apollo Theatre for a Bahamian review and gather ideas on installing “night life” entertainment in the country, firstly in New Providence. In that aspect, Mr Wilchcombe is working closely with the Ministers of Youth, Sports and Culture Neville Wisdom and Trade and Industry Leslie Miller. And, with the revamping of the Botanical Gardens, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Local Government V.
Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
