Tanya Klonaris (right) of the My Ocean kiosk, shows her products to Minister of State for Tourism and Aviation, Branville McCartney, and his wife, Lisa. (Photo by Patrick Hanna)
By: Gladstone Thurston
NASSAU, Bahamas – Six new retail outlets showcasing mainly Bahamian themes were officially opened at the Lynden Pindling International Airport Thursday by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Branville McCartney.
Bahamas Sol, My Ocean, Uniquely Bahamian, Harley Davidson, Hard Rock Café and Tortuga Rum Cakes, located in the US departure terminal, offer a variety of mostly Bahamian made products including jewelry, souvenirs, cakes, soaps, candles, and sports wear.
They represent an early start to bringing the airport in line with other similar world class airports in terms of added value for passengers and enhanced customer experience, said John Spinks, vice president of commercial development, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).
It is also a start to growing non-aeronautical revenues for NAD, “a very important component of the overall financial viability of the airport,” he added.
Minister McCartney said, “the obligation for all of us to actively promote the integration of authentic Bahamian products into the mainstream of our lifestyles and our tourism industry.
“These are linkages my Ministry and our tourism partners have actively encouraged over the years,” he noted.
“If properly promoted, they could prove to be of enormous benefit to Bahamian business owners and persons employed in the various enterprises.”
He hailed the new outlets as “pioneers” and commended them for “offering our guests…authentic Bahamian products that will forever remind them of an experience that could have been achieved in no other place.”
Minister McCartney said he eagerly awaited completion of the $300 million renovations of the airport including a new terminal.
“The government has determined that our international airport must reflect the best of what The Bahamas has to offer in terms of service, culture, and the natural environment.
“This airport is a vital component of the tourism infrastructure.”
Harley Davidson and hard Rock have to go, they have nothing to do with the Bahamas!
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