In recent weeks, there has been an increasing wave of negative commentary from Bahamians on social media platforms like The Nassau Guardian‘s Facebook page, and other outlets, surrounding the announcement of new tourism projects.
It seems some critics are quick to express skepticism, dismissing these developments as unneeded or as having little benefit to Bahamians.
However, such complaints are, frankly, delusional.
What many of these naysayers fail to recognize is that tourism is the lifeblood of The Bahamas’ economy.
It is, in fact, the pillar that holds up our way of life, ensuring employment, economic stability, and the revenue that finances critical services.
Tourism has long been the largest industry in The Bahamas and the primary driver of economic growth.
It generates tens of thousands of jobs, not only within hotels and resorts but in related industries such as transportation, agriculture, and entertainment.
Taxi drivers, musicians, farmers, craftsmen, and even local food suppliers all benefit from the influx of tourists who visit our shores.
It is a ripple effect that touches nearly every aspect of Bahamian life. To dismiss new tourism projects as unnecessary or unwelcome is trafficking in fantasy.
How quickly some seem to forget the despair that gripped when the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut our borders.
Tourism brings in foreign currency that helps stabilize our economy, allows us to pay for imports, and enables us to service foreign debt.
The revenue generated from tourism helps finance public services like healthcare and education, while also funding infrastructure development, such as the construction of roads, airports, and ports.
The facilities we enjoy today are, in large part, a result of tourism’s contribution to the national budget.
Take, for instance, the recent announcement of the Yntegra Group’s $200 million ultra-luxury Rosewood Exuma resort on East Sampson Cay.
Some have complained about the environmental and social impacts of such developments, but the truth is that this project is poised to bring immense socioeconomic benefits to Exuma and the broader Bahamian economy.
The resort is expected to generate 500 jobs for Bahamians, especially those living in Exuma, and will offer training opportunities through an apprenticeship program to ensure Bahamians are equipped to manage and operate the resort.
Beyond direct employment, projects like these stimulate economic growth by requiring local products and services.
Nearby businesses in sectors such as transportation and hospitality will benefit from increased demand for their goods and services.
Additionally, the development will include a 150-unit housing facility for employees, alleviating pressure on the local housing market while boosting the local economy.
The benefits are multifaceted and long term.
Similarly, the $350 million development at the old Melia Nassau Beach site, spearheaded by Baha Mar, is expected to employ 400 Bahamians during construction and 500 more once completed.
Dismissing these projects as unnecessary or unwanted ignores the reality of our economy, and failing to nurture this industry would be disastrous for our people.
The idea that The Bahamas does not need more tourism projects is not only misguided, but it is dangerous.
Without these developments, where would the jobs come from?
How would we pay for the food, clothes, cars and fuel that are not manufactured here?
Are these critics prepared to live a life of subsistence farming and fishing?
Yes, there must be a balance between development and environmental stewardship.
But that is what we have regulatory agencies for.
If we do not continue to expand and enhance our tourism offerings, we risk losing our competitive edge in a global market.
People also complain that tourism is all about foreigners.
That is not the case, but even if it were, The Bahamas is known worldwide for its beauty and hospitality.
Yes, foreign investors make up the lion’s share of large tourism development, but that is because the countries they come from are far larger than ours and have vastly more capital than exists here.
We know people say uninformed and silly things online regularly.
But Bahamians who do not understand how their own economy functions are creating a narrative that is embarrassing.
At the core of it, tourism is about Bahamians and how we benefit by having more people inject money into our economy.
We should stop talking down tourism; it has been great for The Bahamas.
This post was originally published on here
