Family Islands: The Bahamas Isles of opportunity

The Hotel Corporation

“Joint ventures in the Family Islands will be very significant tourist developments.”

Sir Baltron B. Bethel, Managing Director

The Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas has proved instrumental in promoting the local hotel and resort sector and in boosting the tourism industry. Sir Baltron B. Bethel, Managing Director, previously served as The Bahamas’ first Director General of Tourism and is considered to be one of the foremost experts on tourism in the Caribbean.

Sir Baltron has overseen the Hotel Corporation’s recent privatization effort and is now moving forward in implementing the Government’s major developments throughout The Bahamas. He explains, “One of our very significant achievements has been the substantial privatization of the assets of the Hotel Corporation. We are now working to secure developers in joint ventures in the Family Islands, which will be very significant tourism developments.”

Projects on Eleuthera and Andros and a major joint venture in Mayaguana are among the Hotel Corporation’s key projects. The Hotel Corporation partnered with Boston-based I-Group concerning the Mayaguana project, a USD billion initiative. Sir Baltron explains, “At the moment, we are securing the infrastructure, including a new airport facility that can accommodate jet traffic, and that will eventually have the longest runway in the Caribbean region.”

The project’s developers are looking to attract international hotel companies to Mayaguana, particularly eco-resorts. Sir Baltron adds, “The Mayaguana development will also attract high-end spa and medical facilities that cater to high-net-worth individuals who wish to rejuvenate in a place of incredible natural beauty and tranquility.”

For Eleuthera, the Hotel Corporation is working on upscale, five-star developments that will include large and smaller resorts, spas, at least two world-class golf courses, and high-end residential development. “The Government is in the process of completing a master plan for the entire island of Eleuthera to ensure that it is a five-star island,” Sir Baltron says. For Andros, the focus will be on sports, particularly golf, diving, fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, eco-tourism, residential and mixed use light industrial and aqua-agricultural purposes.

As for the future, the Hotel Corporation aims to promote tourism development that preserves The Bahamas’ natural heritage and unique character. As Sir Baltron says, “It is very important that we maintain the pristine look of The Bahamas as well as friendly, efficient service and world-class standards. Investors can expect to have a good return on their investments here. The Government led by Prime Minister Perry Christie wants the international community to see The Bahamas as a politically stable, inviting, safe, and economically viable bastion of democracy.”