TDC: The Tourists Are Coming, Time To Build Your Business

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – It’s one thing for opportunity to knock, it’s another to be ready to open the door.

Glendia Sweeting – Manager, Special Projects, GBPA

“You have to be in the room, that’s the thing. If you are not in the room, you are missing something so great, it would just be unfortunate.”

That room? This week’s Freeport Business Expo, where tourism meets possibility.

Steven Johnson – Director, Tourism Development Corporation

“We try to encourage people to be their own bosses. And let them know they can work for themselves. However, you have to have a plan in order to be successful in business.”

From building strong business plans to understanding branding, marketing, and funding, Tourism Development Corporation director Steven Johnson is helping lay the groundwork now because come July, Celebration Key will bring thousands of visitors to Grand Bahama daily.

Steven Johnson – Director, TDC

“We’ve already trained 65 certified lifeguards that will go over to carnival. I think they said they need 150, and so we’ve got some more training. Really it’s funded through the TDC.”

The TDC’s vision? Making West End the conch capital of The Bahamas, with tours, tastings, and handcrafted jewelry made for tourists… and export.

Steven Johnson – Director, TDC

“All those conch shells being shipped out weekly into various different countries, Korea, China whatever, right here in our own backyard. Why not create manufacturing out in the West?”

More tours means more drivers, more guides, and more small businesses.

Steven Johnson – Director, TDC

“We got these two ships coming in today bringing in 10,000 people now. An additional two ships, which will be four ships a day by 2026. And so we’ve got to ready Bahamians as far as customer service, authentic tours, and experiences.”

And this time, he says it’s about ownership and preparation.

Steven Johnson – Director, TDC

“To move up to 30 to 40,000 people a day in Grand Bahama is going to be a game changer for the destination. We remember the days of the magic city, but the magic city is gone, so really this is the miracle city just rebounding.”

And for anyone still wondering whether to get involved, Johnson says the message is simple… opportunity doesn’t wait… and neither should you… and if you’re not sure where to start, perhaps this year’s expo might just be the start of a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.