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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Guests, hoteliers and other hospitality industry executives flocked to the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace to scout the indigenous Bahamian crafts, artwork, edibles and other locally made goods. The trade event, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, displayed Bahamian-made items to persons in the tourism industry to provide exposure to local artisans and to make the tourist experience a more authentic one.
One Bahamian owned hotel, seeking to enhance its Tru Tru Bahamian feel, came ready to make the most of the marketplace. Sandyport Beaches Resort, known for its serene out-island atmosphere, came to the expo in search of locally-made toiletries and bathroom amenities, artwork, décor, and jams and teas for their one bedroom suites and studios - which feature full kitchens.
Rated the number two hotel in Nassau on travel site TripAdvisor, Sandyport Beaches Resort is already an avid supporter of Bahamian artisans. The 72-room boutique located in the Sandyport Marina Village showcases Bahama Handprints cushions and upholstery throughout the resort and displays Bahamian artwork depicting scenes of sea creatures and island life from artists such as Nassau’s John Paul, Attila Fezst of Abaco, and Clifford Fernander of San Salvador.
Sandyport Beaches’ Front Desk Manager Cheralda Arnett said that the resort came prepared to make a purchase and hopes the items will enhance the guest experience.
“We strive to be 100% Bahamian,” said Ms. Arnett. “We use our lobby as a gallery, featuring Clifford Fernander’s artwork and in the rooms we have Bahama Handprints upholstery and John Paul pieces. At the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace, we are looking at items which will enhance our Bahamian flair.
“Many hotel rooms from other brands are pretty and modern, but they remind you of any hotel, anywhere in the world. We want our guests to know they are in the Bahamas when they are in our rooms, while feeling modern and comfortable. So, we are looking at Bahamian-made soaps and candles for the bathrooms, local teas, jams and jellies for the kitchens, and artwork for the rooms.”
She stated that the Marketplace made sourcing these products much more convenient. “It is really a one stop shop - everything is here: spices, soaps, art work, crafts. I am impressed by the level of variety and talent displayed; it really allows us to expand our choices. It is ideal for a hotel like us that values an authentic Bahamian feel.”
The kind of support displayed by Sandyport Resort, creating opportunities for talented Bahamians, is exactly the focus of the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace according to Prime Minister Perry Christie, who spoke at the event.
“Do we have talent? The answer is obviously yes,” said the Prime Minister. “There are people who are gifted, but the secret is how to find them and give them an opportunity. We know we should be on a course of action and that is what [the event] is about... creating an opportunity for their gifts and talents to be seen and tested.”
He stated that it is the responsibility of both the public and private sectors to ensure not only that Bahamians have opportunities, but tourists receive an authentic product.
“The government must do something, but the private sector must do more. Where you find our competition does better than us… they are able - because of cheaper costs - to put more indigenous flavour into their tourism product. We are at the stage now where tourists spend $250-300million on handicrafts and souvenirs and its questionable the extent to which they buy things authentically Bahamian. I hope therefore that this kind of exhibition is indicative of the path we are on to give on an increasing basis for Bahamians to take advantage of the talent that they have.”
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