Tourism officials posed with officials from National Geographic and the Inter-American Development Bank to launch the first ever Bahamas Natgeo website. The website will help SMEs in the Family Islands reach 50 million customers.
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Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in The Bahamas now have
access to over 50 million potential customers thanks to an innovative website
that maximizes the country’s geotourism potential.
The National Geographic Bahamas Geo-tourism Website was formed
through a partnership among the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, National
Geographic, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Small and Medium
Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA).
The aim of the website is to boost the Family Islands’ tourism
potential by acting as a driver of overall SME development.
The website is the first of its kind in the region.
It provides an interactive
map of geo-touristic sites and supporting businesses across The Bahamas and
offers comprehensive information on natural, cultural and historic attractions
for various destinations.
Information on the websites includes accommodations, action
opportunities, community, festivals or events, food or drinks, health and
wellness, historic or prehistoric sites, local points of interest, museums,
theatres, interpretive centers, natural areas, outdoor adventure and packaged
experiences.
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe said this initiative
shows that The Bahamas is continuing to find innovative ways to draw people.
“Technology allows the world to see The Bahamas with limited costs
and in real time,” he said during a special launch ceremony at The Island
House.
“This is so important to what we are seeking to do. We must give
strength to these islands. You have made a giant step for us and we want to
tell you this is what partnerships are all about – seeking to do the best in
the best interest of all.”
Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu said she
expects that the website will draw attention to ecotourism and cultural tourism
that so many islands in The Bahamas are known for.
“This project really shines the light on many of the things that
make The Bahamas unique among the island destinations of the Caribbean. And so,
I would like to thank the National Geographic Society and Complete Caribbean
for partnering with us and implementing this project as well as the
Inter-American Development Bank, United Kingdom Department of International
Development and the Government of Canada for funding the project,” she said.
To view the website visit www.bahamasgeotourism.com.
