By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A well-known musician and entertainer yesterday argued that The Bahamas has allowed foreign investors to “dictate” its tourism identity, blaming the cruise lines and mega resorts for destroying “the Bahamian experience”.

Fred Munnings, of Bahamas Events International and the Bain Town Advancement Association, speaking during a Community-Based Tourism workshop at the University of The Bahamas, said: “We need to get back to the basics of sharing the culture of our people.

“We have destroyed the tourism product over the years because we have allowed the foreign direct investors, through our representatives, to come and dictate to us what the tourism product is in our country; particularly the cruise lines and the mega resorts. They have destroyed the Bahamian experience.”

Mr Munnings continued: “That is why we have the challenge of repeat visitors because we do not have the sustainability in our product. Today our tourism product does not look like what The Bahamas is in any way shape or form.

“We have mega resorts, and mega cruise ships that are sailing resorts, that come and take over our Family Islands and feed them everything. We have foreign persons serving tourists drinks in our country.”

Janet Johnson, head of the Tourism Development Corporation, said efforts are being made to work with the cruise lines and hotels in addressing those concerns.

“We are making them appreciate those concerns,” she said. “I am finding that they’re very receptive to the suggestions. I think you are going to see a difference. I think they are becoming more socially conscious. Over time I think you are going to see real change as we begin to promote the linkages. All is not lost. We are on a great trajectory for the future.”