PORT EXECUTIVES LEAD GB GROUP AT CRUISE SUMMIT

GRAND Bahama

Port Authority (GBPA) executives were among a 20-strong delegation from the island that attended the Seatrade Global Cruise Conference in Florida last week.

Freeport’s quasi-governmental authority, in a statement, said its Invest Grand Bahama team used the event to showcase the opportunities and advantages of doing business and investing in Grand Bahama. These possibilities, it added, include the island’s tourism sector, shipping and logistics infrastructure, competitive tax regime and skilled workforce.

Invest Grand Bahama’s exhibit emphasised ongoing developments in Grand Bahama, including the $200m Carnival cruise port and other critical infrastructure projects designed to enhance economic activity on the island.

Sarah St. George, the GBPA’s vice-chairman, said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the Seatrade Global Cruise Conference, one of the most significant events in the maritime industry.

“Our participation at the conference not only provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the many benefits of doing business in Freeport and attract new investment interest, it also keeps us on the cutting edge with global trends, industry developments and the direction of sustainability in cruise tourism for the benefit of our economy.”

Ian Rolle, GBPA president, added: “Our participation in the conference reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an environment that fosters economic growth, sustainability and innovation within Freeport’s investment landscape. We are proud to showcase the many businesses and attraction offerings on Grand Bahama, as well as investment opportunities available in Freeport. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, investors and other key stakeholders.”

Derek Newbold, the GBPA’s chief investment officer, continued: “We are excited about the opportunity to connect with industry leaders faceto-face and highlight the unique value proposition of Grand Bahama. We believe that our participation at the conference will aid in our efforts to continue building interest for the island.” GBPA licensees travelling with the Invest Grand Bahama team included executives from the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; Freeport Harbour Company and Freeport Container Port; H. Forbes Private Charter; Pelican Bay Hotel; Elnet Maritime; Bahamas Distilling Company; Leslie’s Trades & Logistics; Pirates Cove; Zipline Waterpark; and Margaritaville at Sea.

“Invest Grand Bahama, with sponsored partners, including the Grand Bahama Chamber of

Commerce, was in top form at the Seatrade Cruise Global event,” said James Carey, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president.

“Activity was brisk and, clearly, there is a high level of interest in Grand Bahama. Partners were determined, cohesive and focused; only positive results will accrue. The team was further buoyed in their efforts with a visit to the GBPA booth by deputy prime minister, Chester Cooper; vice chair of the GBPA, Sarah St George; and president, Ian Rolle.

We are anxious to return home after this event and reap the benefits which will come.”

PierFrancesco Vargo, executive chairman of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) cruise division, told the conference about the ever-increasing global demand for cruise tourism and predicted that annual passenger volumes will grow from 30m today to 39m within the next two years. He also highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainability, reducing emissions, liquefied natural gas (LNG), waste treatment, recycling and connections to shore power. A survey showing that 60 percent of cruise passengers will likely return for a second time to the countries they visit was also produced.

This year’s conference was held at the Broward County Convention Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,from March 27-30. It brought together maritime industry leaders, cruise line executives, travel professionals and investors, as well as industry vendors and suppliers.