The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Deputy Prime Minister has hailed Vacation Express's return with additional flights as a "good sign" for Grand Bahama's tourism sector.

"I think it is an indication that a number of travel agencies and booking agencies recognise that Grand Bahama is a valuable and valued destination, with a lot of opportunities and they are expressing their confidence ahead of the Grand Lucayan opening in that product," said K P Turnquest. "I think it's a good sign, and speaks to the confidence they had with respect to the product, the people and tourism in Grand Bahama."

According to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism, a total of eight non-stop flights departing from various US cities will begin their flight schedules to Grand Bahama as soon as May 2018. Flights from Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Newark, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Dallas will be operated by Swift Air LLC on a Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

"One of the issues we have had on Grand Bahama for the year is the airlift to support the tourism infrastructure," Mr Turnquest said. "When you look at the Grand Lucaya it requires a certain amount of airlift, and even when it was open it was largely dependent on Sunwing as its main supplier and they did a fantastic job, but we need more in order to fill all the rooms we have, ensure that we can drive up the occupancy rates, which in turn drives up the yield and the opportunity for Bahamians to be engaged in the industry."