National

GB Chamber Pres.: “I See It as a Golden Opportunity, We Just Have to Make It Happen”

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce admits it has been a challenge getting tourists off the Carnival Key property and spending within the wider community.

Published

6 months ago

January 1, 2026

Our News

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The island of Grand Bahama has been in desperate need of a major economic boost for decades, and for months leading up to its opening, Carnival’s Celebration Key was touted as the project to help get the economic wheels turning.

However, President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, Dillon Knowles, admits it has been a challenge getting tourists off the property and spending within the wider community.

Knowles says while expectations surrounding trickle-down economic benefits were high, the project was never designed to deliver immediate results, noting that returns will take time and sustained effort.

He adds that the next step for Grand Bahamians is collaboration, innovation, and collective action to ensure the island fully capitalizes on new developments.

While innovation has become a buzzword as officials push for a major economic turnaround, Knowles says residents must now translate that message into action to truly make it happen.