Nassau, Bahamas- Public Works and Transport Minister
the Hon. Neko C. Grant urged Bahamians to take full advantage of “the
many income generating opportunities” that new cruise incentives legislation
offers.
“I encourage all concerned who
are catering to cruise visitors to be creative and innovative,” he said. “Take
advantage of the many opportunities it is intended to create.”
Mr. Grant was speaking in
support of a Bill for an Act to amend the Cruise Ships (Overnighting
Incentives) Act in the House of Assembly, June 29.
He highlighted some of the opportunities
this Bill will provide for Bahamians.
“It should encourage the return
of Bahamian night clubs with native shows,” he said.
“I am saddened when I visit Bay
Street in the evening when a number
of cruise ships are docked,” he said. “Bay
Street is in darkness; shops are
closed. There is nothing for our visitors
to do. We must change that.”
Hours cruise ships spend in Freeport and Nassau harbors,
with a larger amount of passengers, will allow taxi drivers, tour operators,
straw vendors, shops and restaurant operators to earn additional income, said
Mr. Grant.
The casino in Freeport will
also benefit because cruise passengers would prefer to spend an enjoyable
evening off the ship, he said.
“However, we must make them want to disembark
by providing a memorable experience,” he added.
Florida-Caribbean Cruise
Association research revealed that in this region a cruise passenger spends an
average of $100 at some visiting ports and $150 at others, noted Mr. Grant.
“In the Bahamas, the
expenditure is less than $70 per passenger. We are allowing each passenger to
take back to the ship $30 to $35 that they could spend with us.
“If we can increase the average
passenger expenditure by $30, we would be able to generate an additional
$45,000,000 in revenue by persons and businesses catering to our cruise
passengers,” he said.