Ministry of Tourism Focusing on Development of Tourism Entrepreneurs

A new initiative will promote Bahamian entrepreneurs in the tourism sector

The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) is embarking upon a new initiative that will be focused on the development and promotion of Bahamian entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

Director of Business Development for the Ministry of Tourism Janet Johnson, who was bringing remarks at the launch of Parrots of Nassau amphibious Trolley Boat tour last Thursday, said in the past the MOT had largely focused only on the promotion of hotels and foreign direct investment. Now the ministry will begin to also build up entrepreneurs who are invested in the tourism industry.

“You know in the past we’ve always been all about foreign direct investment and making sure that the hotels do extremely well, well now we’re going to start a new tactic, we’re going to be working with entrepreneurs and helping Bahamians to get into the tourism business and to benefit from the tourism business,” said Johnson. “Don’t you think it’s about time?”

Her remarks on the new initiative was spurred by the launch of Parrots of Nassau, a vehicular tour in which a wheeled trolley car transforms into a jet boat and back again.

The Parrots of Nassau amphibious tour is the first of its kind in The Bahamas, and was the brainchild of the company’s owner Troy Sampson.

The ministry to boost the number of Bahamians providing tourism services

Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar has continually talked about how important it is for the MOT to invest in Bahamian entrepreneurs.

When he came into office he lamented that too many visitors to The Bahamas complain that there is nothing to do when they get here.

He said one of his objectives as minister is to cultivate entrepreneurship in the tourism industry and boost the number of participants providing essential entertainment to visitors.

Source: The Nassau Guardian

Click here for more information an upcoming Ministry of Tourism Workshop for entrepreneurs.