TourismToday

Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace credited Nassau’s significant infrastructure development and investment with attracting more business from corporations such as MasterCard.

The Minister’s remarks came at a press conference to announce the third consecutive launch of the MasterCard “Find Your Way” promotion in Nassau. The launch comes after the Bahamas government invested more than $44 million to upgrade Nassau Harbour to accommodate mega cruise ships and Nassau’s airport is nearing completion of the first phase of a $400 million expansion project.

“We like to believe, although there’s no evidence to prove this, that we probably have more infrastructure spent per capita than any other country in the world right now,” Minister Vanderpool-Wallace said.

“There is a certain belief that when things turn down, in terms of private sector demand, the public sector should come forward and provide that demand. And there is nobody on the planet – when they look at what is happening in the Bahamas in terms of infrastructure investment – that will say we haven’t followed that to a substantial degree.”

Minister Vanderpool-Wallace also said that the infrastructure of the Bahamas has been set-up in such a way that yields some immediate return on investment.
MasterCard Wordwide has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism since 2008 for the “Find Your Way” promotion, which offers cardholders traveling to Nassau/Paradise Island, exclusive benefits through a series of special offers designed to enhance the visitor experience.

The company’s executives also announced that the number of merchants participating in the program has increased by 57 percent since its inception. Thirty merchants initially signed up to participate. The number is now at 47.

Minister Vanderpool-Wallace said it is impossible to do business in tourism without partnerships, and the private and public sectors must work together to bring about success.

“We’re excited to partner with MasterCard once again as we continuously seek to support programs that enrich the destination experience for visitors to our island,” Minister Vanderpool-Wallace said. “The value added proposition provided by “Find Your Way” provides visitors with yet another reason to make the Bahamas their destination of choice.”

The tourism minister stated that his ministry fully supports the MasterCard program. Those planning to visit the Bahamas are encouraged to take advantage of the great deals and have a “Priceless Experience” while here, he said.

Patricio Rubalcaba, vice president, Commerce Development, Travel & Entertainment Industries for MasterCard Latin America and the Caribbean region, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about continuing to evolve and expand this program yet another year.”

Merchants affiliated with the Bahamas “Find Your Way” program have seen an accumulated year over year (YOY) volume growth of 4.5 percent in 2010 versus 2009 – despite the recent economic challenges suffered by the tourism industry. The participating merchant satisfaction level has also exceeded program targets, reaching 90 percent.

Beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, MasterCard cardholders visiting Nassau/Paradise Island will enjoy exclusive offers when they use their cards to shop at select merchants throughout the island (restaurants, retail stores, car rentals, hotels, limited tours and entertainment).

MasterCard will also be hosting sweepstakes whereby any MasterCard cardholder in the Bahamas can participate and qualify for a chance to win prizes.

Last year the company issued 60,000 “Find Your Way” exclusive offers guides at Lynden Pindling International Airport and 250,000 at Nassau’s cruise port. The guide booklet has information on the program, including a list of participating merchants.