The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Visitor arrivals to The Bahamas hit 4.2m for the first five months of 2023, the deputy prime minister has disclosed, representing a one million increase compared to the same period in 2019.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, unveiled to the annual Department of Aviation Symposium statistics that showed The Bahamas is more than half-way to his eight million arrivals target for the full year with more than seven months still remaining.

"Noting the natural synergy that must exist between tourism and aviation… I must take a brief moment to highlight our tourism performance over this fiscal year," he said. "I've just received the most recent statistical review for the period ending May 2023. I'm pleased to report that our performance continues to shatter pre-pandemic levels, and further positions The Bahamas amongst the regional and global leaders in terms of our overall tourism recovery.

“May should now be dubbed as the million milestone month. May is typically a slow month, but May had overall visitor arrival numbers of one million - ahead of the same period in 2019, which was our best year ever. To put it another way, we welcomed 4.2m visitors at the end of May 2023 compared to 3.2m visitors at the end of May 2019.”

Mr Cooper said he is committed to making Exuma International Airport a hub for flights to the southern and central Bahamas during his term as minister. He added: “We made it our focus to attract more airlift from non-traditional markets, and also we have committed, this term in office, to position Exuma to become the aviation hub for the southern Bahamas, from which commuter flights can connect to underserved islands in the south and central Bahamas.

“And I know you've heard that several times before. And I want to tell you that I've indicated to the people of Exuma, who happen to be my constituents, that it's going to happen during this administration.”

Mr Cooper also affirmed his support for Bahamasair, adding that the national flag carrier is committed to greater fiscal prudence, accountability and diversifying its international and domestic routes.

He said: “Amongst our key priorities, we pledge our support for Bahamasair as they were mandated to open and promote new tourism markets in the United States, and through guaranteed seat contractual arrangements provide scheduled air service until the demand in these markets is favourable for other carriers to provide such service.

“Bahamasair’s further mandate was to increase and diversify international routes for direct flights from the US to Nassau, Paradise Island, and targeted Family Islands whilst revamping its domestic group network to promote linkages to increase tourism connectivity from LPIA (Lynden Pindling International Airport), or from the Exuma International Airport, to the other Family Islands.

“Since my first meeting with Bahamasair's Board and management, we've seen their commitment to greater fiscal prudence and accountability. And, most importantly, we have seen their plans to revise their business model and we are consistently providing resources and support.”

Mr Cooper explained that the National Aviation Strategic Plan will be used to revamp the industry over the next three years, after which an evaluation will be undertaken to determine the progress.

He said: “Over the next three years, it will strategically focus on revolutionising and on the renaissance of the aviation industry. And it comes as a result of the commitment, the focus to drive the synergy amongst you, our stakeholders, within our entire aviation ecosystem. Strategic partnership is the new currency. We can achieve much more when we seek to achieve it together.

“The strategic plan is aligned with the overall mandate of the Government for aviation and for airlift. It is intended to be our own blueprint. Or, if I could use the language of an aviator, it can be our flight plan that will plot and outline the direction that aviation and our community will take. Once the next three years is passed, we will look back at this plan to measure our progress and our successes, and how well we've done and living up to the bold initiative to revolutionise aviation.

“This comes as a result of a systematic and a pragmatic process of all of the members of this ecosystem. As we continue to cascade this plan, it is proposed that there will be widespread engagement from across the aviation sector, accompanied by a well-designed public engagement campaign that will bring greater awareness to what you do, and a greater appreciation for the stellar work you continue to provide the contributions to our overall country," Mr Cooper said.

"But rest assured, you will get the resources and the commitment of the Government. And we will ensure that the aviation sector is empowered. We will ensure that you have your appropriate permanence in the landscape of industries across our country.”

Mr Cooper said both of his directives should be seen as the driving force behind national development and innovation.

He added: “Whilst at times it might appear that our focus is heavily on the tourism component, I've often contended that whilst tourism might be viewed as the engine for the economy, aviation must be viewed as the fuel that is used to power that engine. And therefore, together, tourism and aviation must be seen as the driver for national development, innovation and as the catalyst for Bahamian empowerment.”