Get ‘em Here Cheap, Says Bahamas Tourism Chief

Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, minister of tourism for the Bahamas, is taking a multi-layered approach to the destination’s new tourism strategy. His plans, unveiled in Nassau on Oct. 8, were outlined against a backdrop of concerns about the impact of the global financial crisis on Bahamas tourism.

Getting visitors to the Bahamas for as low a cost as possible is key, Vanderpool-Wallace said. Despite the pullout of several carriers, the reduction in flights from other airlines and high fuel costs, Vanderpool-Wallace said he will negotiate lower fares and more flights.

“We must take advantage of our proximity to the U.S. market by making sure that the admission ticket –the cost of getting to the islands- is as low as possible. Customers care about the price. Airlines serving the Bahamas care about their operating costs. We have an approach that will ensure that the cost of the ticket is low and that the airlines will make some money,” he said.

Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace said the Bahamas will focus on other markets, too, including China, Russia, India and Brazil.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will open a 24-hour online tourism office at http://www.bahamas.com/ as part of its effort to boost tourist arrivals and enhance the visitors’ experience, according to Vanderpool-Wallace.

“Visitors will be able to book restaurants, check out souvenirs and shops and listen to Bahamian music,” he said.

Tourism statistics for the Bahamas from January through June showed a 2.2 percent decline in arrivals, to 2.3 million, compared with the same period a year ago. The number of cruise visitors decreased 3.8 percent, and air arrivals rose 1.8 percent.