Posted by: Editor on Sep 07, 2006 – 11:33 AM
newsandinfo  Funding is now available for the Cruise Conversion project that would give a face-lift to the cruise docking terminals at the Prince George Wharf.

Cruise conversion, a pilot project of the Ministry of Tourism, has been on the drawing board for some time. But the lack of funding halted the project, which should have been launched last year.

The project calls for signage and kiosks to be placed at the cruise docking terminals as part of a major marketing and educational pitch about The Bahamas. The area would also serve as an information centre.

“With the new fiscal budget that has just come out in July, we now have the funding for it,” said Carla Stuart, director of cruise development at the MOT. “We basically have everything in place. We’re just fine-tuning now, so we expect to launch it pretty soon,” she added.

Ms Stuart did not disclose how much it would cost to complete the project, but did say it was relatively inexpensive in comparison with the benefits that would come from it. Cruise Conversion would make the Prince George cruise port more aesthetically pleasing.

But more importantly the purpose is to make tourists aware that The Bahamas consists of 700 islands and cays, and not just Paradise Island and Nassau, which is a major misconception for many of them. “That’s one opportunity that we’re going to capitalise on,” said Ms Stuart.”

Source: The Tribune