Update...via Ministry of Tourism

The latest from BMH...and the Ministry of Tourism

As many of you know, and have heard us share, Tourism and Off-shore Banking comprise 85% of the Bahamas GDP. So it is no surprise that the Ministry of Tourism would distribute an announcement like the one posted below. As you are also aware, the Bahamas is comprised of more than just Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama.

We as a relationship and disaster response ministry are dedicated to serving the whole of the Bahamas, not just the "tourist areas".  As we know so far, Crooked, Acklins, Mayaguana, Cat and Eleuthera all have damage (the lesser of the tourist areas).

Join us as we serve throughout the Bahamas.

(Enjoy the article below...)

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 Hurricane Irene
(from the Ministry of Tourism's perspective, emphasis added by Abe...)

August 25, 2011

 

VISITORS EXPECTED TO RETURN QUICKLY TO THE BAHAMAS AFTER HURRICANE IRENE

Update #4:  2:00 PM EDT, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011

Next update Friday, Aug. 26, 2011

NASSAU, Bahamas –
Hurricane Irene passed 60 miles to the east of the major tourist centers of Nassau and Paradise Island and 100 miles east of Grand Bahama Island and is expected to make its way out of Bahamian waters by 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25. 

Initial assessment of the impact on major tourism areas in Nassau and Grand Bahama Island indicates limited damage and points to a quick return to normal operations.

Airports in Nassau and Grand Bahama Island are expected to be back in operation Friday morning, Aug. 26.  Assessments of airports throughout the other islands are underway at this time.

Cruise ports in Nassau and Grand Bahama are expected to reopen Thursday evening, Aug. 25 and ships are anticipated to resume calls on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Large resorts remained operational. The country’s largest resort, Atlantis, accommodated some 6,000 guests during the storm and is fully operational.  Other resorts in The Bahamas will be open for business as early as tomorrow, Aug. 26. 

Consumers are being advised to either check bahamas.com for updates or contact their prospective hotel, airline or cruise line for information.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will continue to provide updates as airports, hotels and cruise ports continue to reopen.

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*All times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)