Tourism Minister: We Have To Create More Attractions to Get Them off The Ships

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Statistics released by the Florida-Caribbean Association reveal The Bahamas leads the Caribbean for total passenger spending and local employment in the industry for a combined $250.16 million annually.

But a report by Business Research and Economic Advisors show nearly twenty percent of passengers stay on the ship.

Minister for Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper says while he hasn’t seen the report, it’s something the government has been monitoring.

For Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, the government’s focus should be shifted to another area.

“We are having a decline in stop over visitors but we are having a corresponding increase in cruise passengers,” Pintard said.

“So we need a strategic plan that allows those persons who are spending two thousand dollars plus which is what the figure is on every stop over visitor and that is where we need to direct our attention.”

Cooper also says they’ve recognized the need to create more activities for cruise ship passengers to enjoy.

But how is the government taking practical ways to accomplish this?

“We’ve supported a company call Street Smart 242, it’s a technology driven entity it’s an app that talks a lot about things to do and see,” the tourism minister said.

“We’re calling for entrepreneurs to participate in downtown Nassau to get involved to create more restaurants, more entertainment opportunities, more experiences, and more tours.”