Posted by: Editor on Mar 12, 2008 – 04:35 PM
excursions Between April 3 and 5, 2008, the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Radio Love 97 will host Spring Festival 2008 during the spring break rush.
Minister of Tourism Neko Grant recently reported that tourists who visit Grand Bahama have complained that there is just not enough to do.
However, between April 3 and 5, 2008, the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Radio Love 97 will host Spring Festival 2008 during the spring break rush.
The festival will showcase authentically Bahamian music, food, craft and souvenirs.
Terrance Roberts, Director of Business Development and Communications at the Ministry of Tourism said he had high expectations about the potential impact.
“The Ministry of Tourism feels that in order to increase the visitor spend in the islands of The Bahamas, we had to give them really very good reasons to purchase things while they are here on vacation. So, the craft persons who are involved in creating authentically Bahamian gifts and crafts and fine arts, we want to promote their efforts and expose them as widely as possible,” he said.
“Grand Bahama needs more activities to showcase what it is that we’re all about, and we also need to create economic opportunities for our people as often as possible. The visitor will get to see a lot of uniquely crafted items that they couldn’t see anywhere else,” Mr. Roberts said.
The festival will feature the combined works of over fifty vendors and artists representing Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, the Berry Islands and New Providence.
“We’re doing stuff in coconut; we’re doing stuff in conch shell, we’re doing stuff in metal and glass. So they [tourists] will get a chance to see some very uniquely Bahamian and Grand Bahamian products,” Mr. Roberts said.
He said that the ministry would also welcome any opportunity to have this showcase featured in Nassau as well.
The Ministry is also partnering with the Freeport Harbour Company on April 3, when there will be a special exhibit for the 2,400 cruise visitors expected on the Norwegian Cruise Line.
Diane Wildgoose, Accounts Executive at LOVE 97 North, said that this festival has the potential to show tourists the gems of the entire Bahamas.
“We feel that Love 97 pairing up with Ministry of Tourism would make a big impact on Grand Bahama at the present time with the economy the way it is,” she said.
“We need to have events and especially authentically Bahamian events that tourists can appreciate and Bahamians can appreciate. We at Love 97 did an art and craft presentation last year around this same time because we wanted to show to the world and Grand Bahamians that we can do things that are authentically Bahamian,” said Mrs. Wildgoose.
The festival will be held at two locations – The Freeport Harbour on April 3, and Taino Beach for the remainder of the event.
Gifts and craft exhibitors will be judged, and contestants in the Love 97 “Fantasy Wedding” will also compete for prizes.
Executive Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama Kerry Fountain said that the Ministry is intent on providing opportunities and support for “Bahamians who are delivering world class products and experiences reflective of The Bahamas, as well as a sustained deepening of meaningful Bahamian participation and ownership in the tourism economy.”
Some persons who will be showcased at the festival include, 2008 Cacique Award winner, craft specialist, Cathy Laing, painters, metal and ceramic artists – Claudette Dean, Chantal Bethel and Sheldon Saint; and Nassau based sculptors and master artists, Max Taylor, Antonius Roberts, Tyrone Ferguson, John Cox and Jessica Colebrook.
Source: The Bahama Journal
March 8th, 2008