The Ministry of Tourism Launches the First Incubator Centre in The Bahamas
(L to R): Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Rafique Symonette; Permanent Secretary, Ms. Cecilia Strachan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Hon. I. Chester Cooper; Director General, Mrs. Latia Duncombe and Senator Randy Rolle
NASSAU, Bahamas (15 March 2024) – The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation’s first Incubator Centre was launched on March 12th by the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, during the opening ceremony at the Kelly’s Building, located five buildings east of East and Bay Streets. The Incubation Centre, supported by the Saudi Fund for Development, is designed to boost local entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Philip Davis, delivering remarks during the official Tourism Development Corporation's Incubator Centre opening ceremony.
Prime Minister Davis in his brief remarks said, “We welcome a new era for entrepreneurial innovation and business growth, Bahamians have the desire, the talent, and the creativity to have more of the tourism pie so we’re here to offer support at the early stages of their journey”.
He added, “This project is a testament to our belief in Bahamians and a testament to our commitment to nurturing their dreams and aspirations.”
Director General, Mrs. Latia Duncombe along with micro and small retailers at the Tourism Development Corporation's Incubator Centre official opening ceremony.
The Incubation Centre will be managed by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC). The TDC’s Retail Tourism Entrepreneurial Centre is poised to make a significant impact on entrepreneurship in The Bahamas. Positioned as an affordable and attractive space for Bahamian entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their locally made products, the initiative aims to open new doors for Bahamian brands, contributing to the overall growth of small businesses and the local economy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Hon. I. Chester Cooper delivering remarks at the official Tourism Development Corporation's Incubator opening ceremony.
Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said, "This aligns with our commitment to expanding tourism's positive impact. The Ministry is diligently working towards creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive, contributing to a more vibrant and resilient economy for The Bahamas."
He added, “By investing in sustainable practices and fostering meaningful partnerships, we aim to provide unforgettable experiences for visitors while also benefiting our local communities”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Hon. I. Chester Cooper along with retailer at the Tourism Development Corporation's Incubator Centre official opening ceremony.
While The Incubator Centre is set to operate seven days a week, vendors are required to open for a minimum of six days. Products allowed for retail range from artwork and apparel to jewelry, handicrafts, home and body goods, and more.
Retailers displaying their products at the Tourism Development Corporation's Incubator Centre official opening ceremony.
For those interested in becoming a micro-retailer, applications can be submitted online. The initiative invites businesses to experience the flexibility and agility needed for success with a short-term micro-retail lease, allowing them to seize prime locations, minimise commitment, and maximise potential in the heart of the action.
For more information and online applications, please visit www.tdcbahamas.com/incubator, www.bahamas.com & www.tourismtoday.com.
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Media Contact:
Danielle Bodie
General Manager, Domestic Communications
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
dbodie@bahamas.com