Tourism working on plan to address “pent up demand” for travel

“One of the things we have been very involved with is working collectively with the whole industry on a tourism readiness and recovery plan. That will involve what the opening of the sector will look like once we do open, whether that it’s the first of July or whenever that is.

“What the plan looks at is every single touch-point in a journey of a visitor to our country , from the airport, to taking a taxi, a bus, going to the hotel and any excursion.”

Jibrilu noted that protocols and standards are being created for the industry once commercial travel resumes.

“We are looking at what needs to be done to ensure the health and safety of Bahamians and our visitors,” she said.

“We want our Bahamians to be well and we don’t want anyone who comes here to infect them. We are working towards establishing protocols and standards; following guidelines and best practices from a global perspective. Airports all have to be configured so that you don’t have people all jammed up,” said Jibrilu.

She added: “We are hoping to begin as soon as we are able, training for taxi drivers, straw vendors etc. We have been very busy but it’s not the Ministry of Tourism alone, but also the Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association, the Nassau Airport Development Company, the port  and excursions. Whoever could be involved we try to involve.”

Natario McKenzie
EyeWitness News
May 20, 2020

Caption: Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu.