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Community : Grand Bahama Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Freeport Bahamas tour operator receives major industry award
Feb 11, 2015 - 10:32:38 PM

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#1 IN THE CARIBBEAN: Freeport Bahamas Adventures Limited was recently named the “Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator” by Carnival Lines. Extending congratulations on behalf of GBPA, president Ian Rolle, noted that the award is a meaningful achievement for the island. Pictured from left to right: Mr. Cesar Ochoa – Director of Operations, Freeport Bahamas Adventures Limited, Mr. Ian Rolle, President – GBPA, Mr. Hadley Forbes, Joint Venture Partner – Freeport Bahamas Adventures Limited and Mr. Derek Newbold, Senior Manager of Business Development– GBPA.

Freeport, Grand Bahama - The cruise industry continues to be the economic driver for tourism in the Caribbean region. While sea, sun and sand may be deciding factors; passengers no longer want a simple tour, but a destination experience as well. The competition is fierce and to be rated number one or the most popular in any area of the industry is a major accomplishment.
 
“Creating diverse and unique tour experiences has been an absolute must for Grand Bahama,” expressed Ian Rolle, President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA), as he congratulated Mr. Hadley Forbes and the team at Freeport Bahamas Adventures Limited, on being named  the “Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator” by Carnival  Cruise Lines.
 
“It has been both a challenge and an opportunity for local stakeholders. This award is a meaningful achievement for the island. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality tours and guest experiences for passengers who visit,” Rolle continued.
 
The president advised that a lot of work has been done by various tour operators to ‘up the stakes’ and increase the island’s product offering. “Freeport, in particular, has struggled with cruise rankings over the years; however, by embracing our history and culture, and more importantly by delivering superior customer service, we’re changing our image,” said Rolle.
 
More than a million passengers disembark at the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Port annually via conventional cruises, day and fast ferries. Carnival Cruise Lines, however, accounts for the lion’s share of ships calling at the port.
 
Derek Newbold, GBPA’s Senior Manager for Business Development and Invest Grand Bahama, explained that the cruise industry is a major economic contributor to The Bahamas’ economy and indeed that of Grand Bahama’s. “In recent years, we have seen improvements in the quality of tour offerings, and this certainly bodes well for the tourism sector and local economy,” cited Newbold.
 
He added that Freeport tour operators have been consistent in introducing new and unique activities for guests; and that it is promising to see a local operator receive such a prestigious award.
 
“Industry reports for 2013 rated the Caribbean and The Bahamas as the dominant cruise destination for passengers. Still, having a captive market is only the beginning. We must continue to meet and exceed passenger expectations in tour options, shopping, dining and other activities, in order to improve our ranking,” Newbold concluded.

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