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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a statement by the Director-General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu On the Occasion of World Tourism Day 2014, 27th September - “Tourism and Community Development”
This year’s World Tourism Day is all about the empowerment of local communities in host destinations through tourism. This, and the complementary focus on sustainable development – social, economic and environmental, is fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism.
Tourism is The Bahamas’ #1 industry. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for roughly 46% of our national GDP and 55% of employment, directly and indirectly, as well as 64% of total exports and 500 million investment dollars annually. Worldwide, tourism is big business, accounting for nearly 10% of global GDP and 1 of every 11 jobs.
At the Ministry of Tourism, we see not only tourism’s ability to generate jobs, but also tourism’s ability to improve the socio-economic development of The Bahamas, to be an outlet for the creative and business aspirations of the Bahamian people. A large part of our focus at the Ministry is in encouraging creative industry and entrepreneurship. We want to see Bahamians owning businesses that serve the tourism market, and sharing their culture, history, art and crafts with our many visitors.
The Bahamas has so much natural beauty and resources. We believe that it offers many outlets for attracting visitors that wish to experience it. We believe that Bahamians can share in that vision and move forward with enterprises that promote ecological and resource-based tourism experiences, while protecting our environment.
Tourism brings with it so much potential for improving the lives of Bahamians, providing sustainable livelihoods and a sustainable future for The Bahamas. We believe that this potential should not be ignored or taken for granted. We want to see Bahamians become successful and empowered through tourism. So, we are very happy to celebrate this World Tourism Day 2014 and its focus on Community Development.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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