The International Bazaar in Grand Bahama will once again come alive, as the Ministry of Tourism initiate a promotional program to restore business activity, increase spend, arrest the closure of the shops and attract new businesses and store owners to the International Bazaar.
New entertainment programs have been created on Cruise ship days and weekends, by featuring the country’s top performing acts and Junkanoo. ﾠIncentives for shoppers such as discount booklets, special offers and prize give-aways including all-expense paid trips to Grand Bahama, will be provided.
A “Taste of Grand Bahama” culinary experience will be created at the International Bazaar with foods from around the world prepared by members of the existing international community in Grand Bahama and include cultural displays in the form of music, fashion shows and dance from the international community; as well as ﾠspecialties from other islands in The Bahamas.
The International Bazaar Association with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and transportation providers will target the existing number of Cruise Passengers, through the Cruise Lines which now offer sailings to Grand Bahama Island; and hotel and timeshare guests staying at the nearby properties. ﾠ
Local residents will be invited to re-discover the International Bazaar for shopping and dining experiences. ﾠLunch-time specials and shopping incentives will be created to attract customers from the surrounding business houses and the down-town area.
Meetings with the Grand Bahama Tour Operators Association and the Grand Bahama Taxi Union have been held to discuss possible incentives to bring visitors from the harbour and other hotels to the International Bazaar.
Following the Hurricanes last September and the closure of the Royal Oasis, the four decades old Bazaar has seen a rapid decline in business with 70 of the 120 shops open and an average closure rate of 10 businesses per month.
Prior to the hurricanes, the businesses in the bazaar were reportedly doing well and enjoyed good profit margins with the products offered. Presently, due to the lack of patronage of the bazaar by tourists and local residents, businesses are unable to meet their overheads even with highly discounted rents. Large sections of the bazaar remain closed and the “international” flavour of the bazaar has been lost.
The Bazaar Owner’s Association has approached the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Grand Bahama Tourism Board for assistance to avoid the total closure of the Bazaar. ﾠThe industry partners have developed short-term and long-term strategies to rebuild business to the International Bazaar. ﾠThey plan to:
ﾷ Return the “International” ambience of the International Bazaar and differentiate it from the Port Lucaya Market Place product;
ﾷ Restore safety and security at the International Bazaar;
ﾷ Actively seek out new investors for the area and ensure that new investment plans include the Bazaar as part of the re-development plan; ﾷ Meet with Cruise Lines to encourage additional ships to make calls on Grand Bahama;
ﾷ Recommend that the Government amend Cruise Incentive Legislation, if necessary, to create additional short and long-term incentives to increase the number of ships calling on Grand Bahama;
ﾷ Ensure that new licenses given for businesses in the Bazaar are in keeping with the need to enhance the “international” image of the Bazaar;
ﾷ Use available space in the Bazaar to create a museum which will feature Junkanoo and other historical aspects of Grand Bahama.
