The Bahamas is expecting UK visitor numbers to Grand Bahama to quadruple following the introduction of the first ever direct flight next May.
JMC’s weekly Tuesday DC10 service from Gatwick to Freeport is expected to add an extra 5,000 tourists a year.
Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board executive vice-president David Johnson said: “Until now tourism has mainly been from the US. UK visitor numbers have been between 2,000 and 3,000 a year. We expect to reach 10,000 within the next two years.”
The news of the introduction of direct flights comes as the island embarks on a $350m tourism development project. The bulk of the investment has been ploughed into The Lucayan, the flagship resort comprising three different styles of property – Reef Village, Lighthouse Pointe and Breakers Cay – with the final phase due for completion in March 2000.
“By December there will be 1,400 rooms at The Lucayan,” said Johnson.
Other developments include the renovation of the Bahamas Princess Golf Resort and Casino which will reopen on December 1 as the Bahamia Golf Resort and Casino, and a $4m expansion at the Club Viva Fortuna Beach Resort.
Johnson said promotional activities over the coming year will target niche markets such as weddings and conference and incentive markets.
“Grand Bahama encompasses more diversity than any other of the islands. As well as 90 miles of beaches, we have a whole range of soft-adventure activities including kayaking, swimming with dolphins and fly fishing, and 36 holes of golf,” he said.
Plans for three more courses are on the drawing board.
“We want Grand Bahama to become the golfing mecca of the Caribbean,” said Johnson.
Total visitor numbers to the Bahamas are expected to reach 70,000 from 55,000 over the next two years.