By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A senior tourism official yesterday said there is "a gap" in The Bahamas' tour and excursion product with many visitors "lamenting" that there are not enough activities to do.

Ian Ferguson, the Tourism Development Corporation's executive director and chief executive, told a World Tourism Day webinar organised by The Counsellors: "As we push towards developing some areas, a gap... The research tells us that The Bahamas needs to pay some attention to tours and excursions.

"We need to develop a little more, across the islands of The Bahamas, tour and excursion exercises. Our visitors have been saying to us for some time, lamenting the fact there is so little to do, and while we know that's really not the case, some of it just needs a little bit of structure. It needs a little bit of PR, but certainly finding ways to develop in very sustained way those businesses that provide excursions.”

Mr Ferguson said The Bahamas must take careful consideration of the protection of the environment, especially as tourism has been the major contributor to the country’s GDP for decades.

He said: “World Tourism Day is quite significant for The Bahamas. Naturally when, for over seven decades, most of your gross domestic product numbers are attributed to or directed to touristic activities. It means that this plays obviously a quite significant role in the life of The Bahamas.

“From a touristic standpoint, how serious are we about preparing ourselves to protect our environment and ensuring that the socio-economic climate of the of the country is well maintained, and that it reflects what has been passed down to us? Ensuring that the socio-cultural heritage and authenticity is in place, and ensuring that that third pillar of sustainability, which is the economic side of things, is also managed well.”

Mr Ferguson explained that the proper management of tourism resources will ensure that profits gained from the sector are seen in the wider community. He added that tourism and culture are constantly evolving. and The Bahamas must continue to develop the industry to stay competitive.

He said: “By managed well what we mean is there is that natural, organic trickling down effect, and that everyone in the country experiences or feels the benefit of that $2.6bn plus that we tout, quite often from touristic endeavours.

“Tourism is quite progressive. It's always changing, and the needs and expectations of visitors are always changing. We know that culture is always evolving, and so we have to move in tandem so that we always present ourselves so that brand Bahamas is always solid.”

Mr Ferguson noted that national pride and education are key elements of conservation efforts as the public must see the value of our environment to protect it.

He said: “Protecting the planet and preserving the environment that we have received is very directly connected to a national pride issue and an education issue.

“I believe when people recognise what they have received, and when you know that you have been given a treasure and you know the value of that treasure, you do a little more in wanting to protect, preserve and maintain it for generations to come.”

Mr Ferguson explained that the TDC works along with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost competitiveness, develop the tourism product and grow community tourism initiatives.

He said: “The TDC is the arm of government responsible for ensuring that we move micro, small and medium sized businesses, in particular, to the point of global competitiveness. It is building brands and ensuring economic viability through a multiplicity of programmes. There are four critical areas or focal points that we work from, business development being one of them.

“It is also product development and we come alongside of tourism, investments and aviation to ensure the tourism product is continuously grown and developed. And when we talk about products, we're not just talking about actual product we're talking about the people as well.

“We are also talking about, from a cultural and community standpoint, growing our community tourism. It is all of the work that we do even from infrastructural development.”

Mr Ferguson added that the TDC is currently working on its hospitality assurance programme, a credentialing system which will lend free technical consultancy support to MSMEs throughout the country. The programme also educates business owners on sustainability and financial viability.

He said: “We have boots on the ground currently working towards our hospitality assurance programme. It is a credentialing system, business and service focused. One of the key components of hospitality assured is on the sustainability front. It looks at helping businesses, in particular, micro, small and medium sized enterprises with doing some of the work that's required for them to experience the kinds of success that they want.

“It’s a great way to keep a finger on the pulse of those businesses that need the support, and it’s a beautiful way to sensitise, educate and provide them with the templates and information to do business better, even from a sustainability standpoint.

“This is a powerful tool that we encourage everyone. No island is excluded. So if you are a Bahamian business person, whether you are the sole provider or you have a business that has up to 300 employees, this is absolutely the thing that you need to be engaged with.”