MINISTER for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville is excited about the launch of Sunwing Travel Club on the island, saying it ties in well with the government’s plan to awaken Grand Bahama’s ailing economy.

Prime Minister Perry Christie was in Grand Bahama October 17 for the signing of a letter of intent and Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership between the government, Hutchison Whampoa and Sunwing, one of the largest travel conglomerates in Canada.

Dr Darville highlighted the fact that the move will create 1,000 permanent jobs, as well as a number of construction jobs.

The Sunwing group also owns and operates a fleet of 737-800 aircraft, which will operate flights from several cities in Canada to Freeport.

And, through its affiliate, Vacation Express USA, the company will work with the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, as well as participating hotels, to restructure the current under-performing summer airlift programme and turn it into a self-sustaining system.

Sunwing has also agreed to facilitate and encourage its beneficial shareholder, TUI Travel, the world’s largest travel company, based in Europe, to consider proposals for the inclusion of Grand Bahama in TUI travel destinations, including flights which operate from Europe into Orlando, and to explore direct flights from Europe to Freeport.

Dr Darville said: “Despite tourism being the premier industry in the Bahamas, over the past few years, we have witnessed a decline in our local tourism industry. However, I am happy to say it is truly a new day in the magic city and thanks to all parties involved, the future for Grand Bahama looks much brighter.”

“We are extremely thankful for this demonstration of investor confidence in Grand Bahama and our working relationship with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Hutchison Whampoa Group of Companies, which will facilitate additional airlift, attract stopover visitors to our shores and provide entrepreneurial opportunities and sustainable jobs for Grand Bahamians.”