May 11, 2012
Obie Wilchcombe
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Webshop legislation to be enacted by government on Monday
THE first webshop licenses are expected to be issued by May 2015, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday, adding that the legislation that will regulate the gambling operations of webshops will be enacted into law next Monday.
Tourism ‘still good’ despite crime spike
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday tourism numbers in the Bahamas are “still good” despite a spike in crime in the last few months of 2013.
Wilchcombe: Web shop gaming is ‘not off the table’
OBIE Wilchcombe said yesterday he has begun a series of meetings with religious leaders and those with interests in gaming in an effort to reintroduce the discussion of web shop gaming in 2014.
Wilchcombe: We are making dent in crime
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said the United States “will have to appreciate” the efforts the Bahamas government is making to help curb crime in the country.
Tourism minister ‘takes note’ of Rollins stance over Gaming Bill
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that he has “taken note” of Gaming Board Chairman Andre Rollin’s public stance on the government’s new Gaming Bill.
Pitch your tourism idea
THE government will extend an invitation for Bahamians to pitch new tourism products to the cruise industry next month, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Minister pledges financial support for performance
AS producers struggle to shoulder the cost of re-staging “The Legend of Sammie Swain” earlier this month, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe yesterday pledged financial support for an encore performance.
Tourism Minister says Cuba protests will harm nation
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe suggested yesterday that Bahamians will end up suffering for the latest actions of the Miami-based Cuban exile group Democracy Movement who seem intent on harming the Bahamas’ reputation and economy.
Govt in talks to improve surrey industry
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe yesterday confirmed that the government is in talks to make significant improvements to the surrey industry.
‘Visitors leave money on ship for fear of robbery’
DOWNTOWN businesses have suffered a financial loss as visitors often leave spending money and valuables aboard ship for fear of being robbed, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday.
Gov't moving to bring Gaming Board up to speed ahead of new laws
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said that training for gaming inspectors would begin in a few weeks as the Government moves to ensure that the Gaming Board is “up to speed” before the Gaming Act 2013 and associated regulations are passed.
Three companies shortlisted for operator to manage Grand Lucayan's casino
THREE companies have been shortlisted in the Government’s search for an operator to manage Grand Lucayan’s casino, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe revealed yesterday, adding that an announcement on the new operator could come in two to three weeks.
'Master plan' for Family Islands
THE Government has a “master plan” for the economic development of the Family Islands, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Wilchcombe: No deal cut over Cuban detainees
AMID protests by Cuban-Americans over allegations of abuse at the nation’s detention centre, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday, “steps are being taken” by the government in an effort to “get the matter behind us”.
Pledge for more talks before new taxes
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe has promised greater dialogue with the aviation and cruise ship industries before any potential tax changes are introduced.
Wilchcombe concerned over effects of tax on tourism
A NEWLY imposed processing fee which has sparked the threat of a major cut back from US airlines coming to the Bahamas is an implication that the economy cannot afford, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Minister speaks at church
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe was a special guest lecturer in Freeport at First Baptist Church’s celebration of the life of Sir Lynden Pindling, entitled “On Their Shoulders.”
Govt probe into Blackbeard’s Cay
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the government is “looking at all the circumstances” surrounding Blackbeard’s Cay, following criticism from environmentalists over a reported lack of important legal and regulatory requirements for the development.
American Express card sales in Bahamas jump by four per cent
AMERICAN Express credit card sales in the Bahamas jumped four per cent to $217 million last year, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe announced yesterday.
Government to raise questions over Blackbeard's Cay developer
THE government intends to approach St Maarten officials for information in an attempt to ascertain if the developer of Blackbeard’s Cay qualifies to do business in the Bahamas.
Wilchcombe told to check facts over police
THE previous Ingraham administration did not stop any tourism policing programme, rather they expanded the “ill-formed” programme because the individuals involved were not adequately qualified, opposition leader Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Prostitutes and drug dealers 'at festival place'
THE government is investigating incidents of tourists on arrival at Festival Place at Prince George dock being solicited by drug dealers and persons engaged in prostitution, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Tourism ministry aims to counter any negative publicity
THE Ministry of Tourism will be “intensifying” its promotional campaign in an effort to counteract any negative impact from last weekend’s shooting death of an American man, Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Bahamas 'meddling with disaster' on tourist's murder
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that incidents such as the recent murder of an American visitor to New Providence could negatively impact this country’s reputation as a premier tourist destination, telling Tribune Business: “We’re meddling with disaster.”
Bahamas playing 'catch up' over aviation safety
THE Bahamas is playing “catch up” on a number of aviation safety reforms that should have been implemented two to three years ago, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, acknowledging that deficiencies in this area could hurt the country’s tourist destination reputation.
Casino gaming 'fundamental' for tourism
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday described the casino gaming industry as being “fundamentally important” to the Bahamas tourism product, noting that proposed reforms were vital if it was to compete with rival jurisdictions.
Blackbeard's Cay: Bay Street's 'grave fears'
Prime Minister Perry Christie has directed government officials to investigate the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Blackbeard’s Cay into an all-inclusive cruise passenger destination, after downtown Nassau businesses expressed “grave concerns”.
Passengers told to be on their guard
CRUISE ship officials are concerned that crime levels in New Providence – in particular downtown Nassau – are escalating at a pace no longer safe for passengers, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Copa Airlines 'being watched closely'
ALTHOUGH pleased that Copa Airlines has led to increased visitor arrivals, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the government is watching the Panamanian airline closely.
GB casino replacement 'in place' by end-June
THE FINAL decision on an operator to take over the Grand Lucayan’s casino from Treasure Bay could be taken in two weeks, the Tourism Minister said yesterday, telling Tribune Business the Government was looking to have a replacement in place by end-June.
Cruise passengers told to be on their guard
CRUISE ship officials are concerned that crime levels in New Providence – in particular downtown Nassau – are escalating at a pace no longer safe for passengers, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
2,000 visitors expected for Gospel concert
MORE than 2,000 visitors are expected to arrive in the Bahamas next month for a major gospel concert event that will kick-start a busy month for the country’s tourism industry.
Government: Talks over Grand Lucayan casino
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the government is in talks with four companies to take over the operations of the Grand Lucayan Resort Casino in Grand Bahama.
Bahamian group among four vying for GB casino
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that the Government was in talks with four potential groups, one a Bahamian company, to take over operations at the Grand Lucayan Resort’s casino from Treasure Bay.
Bahamas must 'play hand dealt' on US pre-clearance
THE Bahamas must ensure the visitor departure experience is equally as enjoyable as the vacation, the Minister of Tourism also expressing concern at this nation’s low cultural experience rating.
Govt reviews three GB casino proposals
THE Government is set to review “at least three proposals” for the takeover of the Grand Lucayan Resort’s casino by a new operator, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday, telling Tribune Business it should be close to a final decision next week on which group would win.
Tourism Ministry in GB call centre
GRAND Bahama is well-positioned to become a “technological hub”, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, who yesterday said the Ministry Tourism was playing its part through plans to relocate its call centre to that island.
'Serious proposal' for Grand Bahama's casino
THE Government has received a “very serious proposal” from a Canadian group interested in taking over the Grand Lucayan Resort’s casino, tourism minister Obie Wilchcombe confirmed yesterday.
Super Bowl ad part of $14m campaign
THE MINISTRY of Tourism officially debuted its first in a series of commercials for the Bahamas during the Super Bowl at a cost of $197,000, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Tourists ‘would be able to buy lotto tickets’ if gambling is legalised
A regulated web-shop industry and the creation of a national lottery could become tourism attractions for the country and sources of revenue, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Minister: More must be done to promote tourism
ALTHOUGH last year “ended well” with gains in overnight and cruise visitors, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcome said more needs to be done to promote a “sustainable tourism industry”.
Bahamas targeting 1.6-1.8m stopovers
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his Ministry is looking to increase stopover visitor arrivals to 1.6-1.8 million per year, acknowledging that the Bahamas had lost market share to rival Caribbean nations.
Wilchcombe defends time to debate vote
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe, with gaming in his portfolio, said yesterday he does not think three weeks is “too short a time” to properly inform the public on the pro’s and con’s of gambling.
Tourism advisor embroiled in 'conflicts of interest'
Ministry of Tourism executives felt the company at the centre of a probe into former minister, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, was embroiled in “conflicts of interest” because its principals reviewed a bidding process they were also participating in.
Minister reads FNM contracts report to House
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe read his Ministry's report into contracts issued under the previous administration to the House of Assembly this morning.
Probe into alleged $2M misuse at tourism complete
AN INVESTIGATION into the alleged misappropriation of almost $2 million in 2010 at the Ministry of Tourism has been completed and a report on the incident is scheduled to be tabled December 12, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
Minister accuses FNM of flip-flopping on gambling
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday accused the Free National Movement of flip-flopping on their position to legalise web shop gaming.
Tourism report before cabinet
A REPORT revealing the findings of a probe into an alleged questionable marketing contract was yesterday before Cabinet members for discussion, said Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Tourism minister heads delegation to Singapore
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe will head a delegation of government and private sector officials to the International Association of Gaming Advisors summit in Singapore, October 23 through 25.
Minister: concern over hotel plan
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said concerns have risen over a proposed multi-million dollar hotel to be constructed at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
Report soon on allegations
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe says officials will soon release a comprehensive report on allegations against his predecessor during the FNM’s 2007-2012 term in office.
Minister admits: ‘We’ve got cruise numbers, not spend’
MORE opportunities need to be created to drive cruise visitor spending, the minister of tourism yesterday acknowledging: “We are getting the visitor numbers but not the spend”.
Govt assesses new timeshare legislation
THE Government is looking at new legislation to promote the timeshare industry in the Bahamas, the minister of tourism arguing that an “across the board” focus was necessary in the tourism industry.
Bahamas to establish China tourism offices
The Ministry of Tourism is looking to generate greater business out of the Chinese market, and is looking to establish new offices in China in January 2013.
Online Out Island bookings set for January launch
THE Ministry of Tourism (MOT) will introduce an online booking system for Family Islands resorts in January 2013, the minister of tourism said yesterday, noting that many properties were challenged on reservations.
Ministry’s $4-$5m Vision outlay ‘much too high’
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe yesterday the Government was “modifying” Bahamasair’s takeover of Vision Airlines’ service to Grand Bahama, telling Tribune Business the $4-$5 million outlay demanded from his Ministry was simply too high and “not paying the dividends”.
MINISTER: TOP SHOWS WILL PULL IN CROWDS
TOP shows could prove to be the top draw for tourists in The Bahamas, according to the country’s Tourism Minister.
Search for answers over illegal activity
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the government is “seeking to find out” what illegal activity could be taking place between Central America and the Bahamas.
Air arrivals up 11%, but 'not where we want to be'
TOURISM minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said that while air arrivals were trending upwards by up to 11 per cent, “we’re still not where I want us to be”. He told Tribune Business he was looking at increasing the numbers, particularly out of the Florida market.
Seeking answers of protection of Bimini ecology
BIMINI residents are seeking an update from government on the status of their bid to enhance the protection of that island’s unique ecology.
Tourism minister puts religious tourism plan into action
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe has put into action his plan to pursue the African American and religious group markets.
Bahamas is feeling the heat in Florida
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday his ministry was focused heavily on Florida, telling Tribune Business that the Bahamas had lost some market share there.
Bahamas launches major promotion at top air show
The Bahamas is launching a major promotion at the upcoming AirVenture Show, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in a bid to increase private pilot business for this nation.
Bahamas targets 1m increase in airline seats
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe said yesterday he is targeting an additional one million airline seats to the Bahamas, telling Tribune Business that 500,000 more per annum will be needed to ensure hotel rooms can be filled when Baha Mar opens in 2014.
Gov't targets extra 200k Bimini visitors
MINISTER of Tourism, Obie Wilchombe, is targeting an additional 200,000 visitors per year to Bimini, telling Tribune Business that the island's greatest difficulty in developing its tourism product has been limited airlift.
Minister targeting 8.8% boating market growth
THE Bahamas' marina industry saw more than 157,000 boats landed last year, according to the Minister of Tourism, who yesterday said projections indicate an 8.8 per cent increase in the recreational boating market over the next several years.
Social media key to raising nation's profile
THE Bahamas needs more visibility according to Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who wants to use social media to raise the country's profile
Grand Bahama needs more than 16-19% air arrivals rise
DESPITE a 16-19 per cent growth in Grand Bahama’s air arrivals, the minister of tourism said yesterday that the numbers could be much better and acknowledged the “lots of concern” about the performance of its largest resort, the Grand Lucayan.
Cruise tourism like 'Breezes on a boat'
NEWLY-appointed tourism minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the Government plans to meet with Bay Streets merchants to discuss how to increase visitor spend by making downtown Nassau more exciting, with one merchant telling Tribune Business cruise passengers were spending very little money.
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