The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Minister of Tourism said yesterday that Festival Place will be ready for the new cruise season in November, stressing that it was important this nation improves the “red carpet” treatment for its visitors.

Speaking with Tribune Business yesterday, Obie Wilchcombe said Festival Place has undergone renovations, although he was unable to say at the time how much had been invested.

Mr Wilchcombe said, however, that the renovations were important to this nation’s tourism offering, especially the cruise visitor experience.

“I think we are going to get there. We are going to make it the kind of place we want it and need it to be,” he said.

“It’s very important that we do this. I think it’s very important because our cruise business is very important to us. We have to make sure that our red carpet is much better, and we have to make sure that we are providing opportunities for Bahamians to benefit.”

Mr Wilchcombe said: “The new season starts in November and we have to be ready for that.

Speaking to cruise arrivals this year, Mr Wilchcombe added: “The cruise numbers are relatively around the same. It’s  down some days because we don’t have the facilities up to where we want them, but we’re going to get it back.”

Mr Wilchcombe said the Government is still looking at outsourcing management of Nassau’s cruise port to the private sector, employing the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) model, where it retains ownership.

“We’re still looking at the NAD model. That is something that is  still on the table right now,” said Mr Wilchcombe, adding that it was intended to ensure Nassau’s cruise port operates more efficiently.