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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Obediah Wilchcombe
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Nassau, The Bahamas – On what the Minister of Tourism Obediah Wilchcombe pegged "a historical day in The Bahamas," the Norwegian Breakaway made its inaugural voyage to Nassau. During a ceremony held on the cruise ship on Thursday, October 17 marking the event, Minister Wilchcombe said he was "elated" to be welcoming the new ship to the country.
"We have had a longstanding relationship with Norwegian Cruise Lines, with their ships sailing to The Bahamas since 1966,” said Mr. Wilchcombe. “This new ship offers yet another opportunity for us to continue with that relationship and it is a definite boost to our number one industry.”
Mr. Wilchcombe also made reference to the opening of phase three of the Lynden Pindling airport gateway, which was also officially opened Thursday. He said that coupled together, these two events mark important milestones for The Bahamas by enhancing and increasing travel opportunities for those wishing to visit the country.
In addition, Mr. Wilchcombe discussed plans for the renovation of the Festival Place, which he said would take approximately nine months. The renovations are scheduled to begin during the first week in November. He said that the closure of the Festival Place would not negatively impact vendors as provisions have been made for their businesses to be relocated along the wharf.
“Currently, we are doing the roof work (at Festival Place). At the end of the month, we will undergo refurbishment generally because the facilities are just too small for the number of tourists coming here,” he said. “We have to extend further to the other warehouse to facilitate more shopping space. When the renovations are complete, there will be more opportunities for vendors, restaurants and entertainment and so forth.”
Mr. Wilchcombe said vendors would be housed in cabanas during the renovation of Festival Place. He also mentioned that beginning the first Saturday in November, Bay Street will "come alive" with the arrival of the Christmas festival, creating yet another opportunity for Bahamians to participate in the tourism industry and answering the call for more entertainment on Bay Street.
The Norwegian Breakaway has a passenger capacity of approximately 4000 and is one of the largest ships in the world. The boat will sail to The Bahamas and other countries in the Caribbean on a weekly basis.
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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