Despite claims that international film-makers will be “pulling out” of the Bahamas, the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama does not feel the local film industry is at stake.
Last week a local media house said about $20,000 worth of equipment and cheques belonging to crew of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film project were stolen from a Grand Bahama hotel.
It was also claimed that Walt Disney will never do business in Freeport again. However, that was refuted by the corporation.
Despite Disney’s denial, though, the story was still publicised internationally by more than 11 online media houses during the past week.
Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, the tourism ministry’s director of business development and public relations Terrance Roberts said that “although prohibited from commenting on the matters currently under police investigation, visitor safety remains a primary concern for the Ministry of Tourism.”
“It is our view that any crime against a visitor is one too many,” he said. “And that each Bahamian resident should come to the realisation that a safe environment is important to the nation’s reputation as a quality destination.”
According to Mr Roberts, the Ministry of Tourism, in a proactive approach to negative effects of crime on tourism, announced the formation of a Visitor Safety Council in September this year.
“This new initiative calls for a close partnership between public and private sector organisations, fully supported by the Ministry of National Security, Bahamas Hotel Association, Safe Bahamas Committee and tourism-related organisations,” he said.
“The eight-year-old Tourism Safety Council in Grand Bahama meets regularly, and is made up of directors of security from the select resort properties and attractions and senior members of the Grand Bahama Police Department.”
The local council, he said, provides a forum for regular discussion of programmes and strategies designed to eliminate crime in areas frequented by visitors.
“Therefore, while fully embracing the tremendous promotional opportunities and benefits provided by the distribution of information and product via the World Wide Web, there is equal concern about the challenges brought about by the extensive distribution of negative images.”
According to Mr Roberts, in the weeks and months ahead, the film promotion for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean Two’ “will
gear up and the on-time release of the movie should serve to neutralise any potential negative effects of recent news reports.
“Over many years, movies filmed here in the Bahamas served to further establish our unique brand and to promote the country as a destination of choice. The film (industry) has contributed significantly and directly into the Grand Bahama economy in addition to creating employment for hundreds,” he said.
“Business opportunities have benefited hotels and private house and apartment rentals, restaurants, food stores, wholesalers, gift and souvenir shops, ground transportation providers and airlines serving the Islands of the Bahamas.”
By KARAN MINNIS, Tribune Staff Reporter
