11/02/12, 01:35:16 EST

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Gov’t “Committed To Heritage Tourism”

jonesbahamas.com

The government is expected to turn its focus towards heritage tourism after the 3rd African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference, according to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Mr. Ingraham was speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference at Atlantis Paradise Island last Thursday.

The conference was held from October 10-13.

During, the ceremony, he pointed to a number of historical sites in the Bahamas.

He said the Bahamas is rich in heritage and that it would be economically beneficial for the country.

"This Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference was conceived as a heritage tourism initiative, a means of adding something more towards the sun, sand and sea tourism product and connecting one regional tourism destination to a series of others, all building on a shared experience," Prime Minister Ingraham said.

"Indeed, as competition for tourism dollars increases regionally and internationally, many small destinations in the Caribbean came to recognize the need to develop special components of their tourism product.

"Initially, we spoke of branding our tourism product. We also realize that critical to our success is the development of more interesting attractions along with good value for money, superior service, quality accommodations, clean and pristine environments, efficient transportation and good communications."

Minister of Tourism Neko Grant, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, said the African Diaspora and its influences continue to play a pivotal role in Bahamian tourism.

"There is an obvious opportunity here for beneficial discourse on the development and promotion of heritage venue," he said. "As a nation we have inherited a veritable treasure trove – tangible reminders of our rich heritage as part of the African Diaspora. The government of the Bahamas is committed to heritage tourism."

Minister Grant also said the government is also focusing on the restoration of monuments.

"My ministry will utilize the opportunity presented by this event to drive our marketing effort and affluent cultural/heritage market; provide a marketing tool to reach our Afro market; provide the impetus for researching developing and showcasing significant heritage sites throughout the Bahamas," he said.

He added that the government will also provide a marketing tool to reach out to the Afro market and provide impetus for researching, developing and showcasing significant heritage sites throughout the Bahamas.

"The conference provides a forum for a diverse gathering of talented and experienced persons who are committed to authentic research documentation, promotion and further development of African Heritage sites, museums, monuments and cultural expressions," Minister Grant said.

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J. Patterson also pointed to the importance of heritage tourism.

He said most African heritage tourism sites could be found in the United States. Mr. Patterson said this is because most Caribbean countries take the economic value of African Diaspora Trails for granted.

"While most countries in the Caribbean and Latin America have heritage tours to identified historic sites, it is arguable whether they have embraced and developed the concept of African Diaspora Heritage tours," Mr. Patterson said.

He said the conference is meant to facilitate long-term relationships among the Caribbean, African nations and North and South America.

"A vital imperative is air and sea links between the Caribbean and the African continent," Mr. Patterson said. "It is unacceptable that Caribbean people have to travel to Europe in order to reach the African continent."

 Printable Version  | published Oct 15, 2007