FUTURE OF TOURISM

June 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

In an address to the Rotary Club of Abaco on 11th May at Bay View Restaurant, Dundas Town, the Abaco Tourist Office's Sherry Parker outlined the future of tourism for both The Bahamas and Abaco. Ms Parker was introduced by her colleague Wynsome Ferguson as someone who was born in Abaco but had only recently returned after spending 17 years with the Ministry of Tourism.

Ms Parker did not pull any punches. "At some time in the future," she said, "Cuba will become a tourist destination for US residents." How much this would affect The Bahamas depended on how we presented the tourist product. Large resort operations with associated cruise and airline provisions can be expected to do well in the decade ahead - companies such as Sandals and Disney. The consumer in the year 2000 and past will be older and more discriminating. There was also a large ethnic - particularly Hispanic - market to be addressed.

With respect to Abaco and its large boating and second home ownership community, Ms Parker said we should not become complacent. Abaco is the third largest tourist destination in The Bahamas but should work hard to consolidate its position. Everybody was part of the tourism package, not just the hoteliers, taxi drivers, boat rental agents and other obviously tourist-oriented people. We all benefit from tourism in the end. An unpainted private house acts as a deterrent and undermines the image the tourists will take back with them. Also, there should be much better services for tourists and residents alike on weekends and holidays.

Ms Parker encouraged Rotarians to visit the Customs and Immigration area of Marsh Harbour International Airport. Her office has spearheaded a welcoming celebration for incoming tourists on Fridays and Saturdays with a cabaña featuring local musicians performing island music and complimentary drinks as well as a complete redecoration of the area.

In a lively question and answer session following the presentation, several Rotarians brought up constructive ideas for Ms Parker to work on. "Come and see me and let's discuss this," she told them. "We want to work hand in hand with all of you to make the tourism product on Abaco the very best possible."

Rotarian Skeet LaChance congratulated Ms Parker on an excellent and illuminating presentation.

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