The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian travel services firm said that the delay of Baha Mar’s grand opening to next year has “gravely affected” its strategy for China’s outbound tourism market.

“We support their decision in understanding that it is extremely important, that the Baha Mar resort ensures their product readiness meets the demands and dictates of their guests,” said Bahamaren CEO Latrae Rahming. “Despite this unforeseen challenge our company will continue an unprecedented level of co-operation between the tourism stakeholders and the government to address the barriers to industry growth in regards to China.”

“Our company remains faithful in our approach to improve the industry’s productive capacity. The delay of Baha Mar from a China perspective will translate into the complete loss of a major tourism peak season for Chinese travellers. Bahamaren has decided to refocus our policy framework that will support existing tourism products in the Bahamas while enhancing industry growth in China and provide the hotel industry in the Bahamas with the tools and services needed to compete more effectively, enabling them to take advantage of the opportunities that China present,” Mr Rahming added.

Baha Mar confirmed last week that it has pushed its ‘grand opening’ back to “late Spring” 2015, with the $3.5 billion mega resort project set to open in stages from December 2014 onwards.

Mr Rahming said that Baha Mar will improve quality, product choice, skills and infrastructure that will be needed to maximise and sustain economic value as a tourism destination.

“It is our hope that the Baha Mar delay will guarantee addressing the priorities of improving the Bahamas tourism productivity, product and service quality,” Mr Rahming said. “We are convinced that our research and data has confirmed that China’s economic growth will create new business opportunities for Bahamians.

“Bahamaren will strengthen our strategy to ensure consumer understanding, a dedicated airlift and travel distribution and a China tailored marketing campaign focus on the niche markets in the Bahamas. It is imperative that our strategy maintains its relevancy to harness a unique opportunity to drive the demands from China.”