As this year gives birth to numerous hotel developments, Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, said recently that the Ministry of Tourism is elated about the country’s tourism product leading into 2017.

This year, a number of hotels are being developed throughout Nassau and the Family Islands; with one of the most major projects being the Pointe.

The $300 million Pointe development in the downtown area, which is expected to be opened in 2017, is a condominium hotel designed to also attract young Bahamian professionals.

It is expected to feature amenities such as movie theatres, dining, bars, a bowling alley, rooftop nightlife and an auditorium to facilitate performing arts.

Mrs. Jibrilu said one of the things that has contributed to the success of the country’s number one industry is the diversity of the product offering in The Bahamas.

To this end, she is pleased that Paradise Island in particular would soon have something new to offer, as the development of the four- star all inclusive adult Warrick Hotel is expected to open its doors by October of this year.

“If we look at Paradise Island, for a very long time there was only Atlantis, Comfort Suites, The One and Only Ocean Club, brands that were known,” Mrs. Jibrilu said.

According to the Mrs. Jibrilu, this new development should appeal especially to Europeans.

“What is so exciting about this is that Europeans in particular would be very, very happy to know that a small hotel property on Paradise Island will be opening up. That has generated a lot of buzz and a lot of interest,” she said.

Additionally, the director general highlighted the Courtyard Marriot Hotel, which like the Pointe, is located in downtown Nassau.

“These developments will make downtown come alive. So much entertainment will be there. 2017, 2018 promises to be exciting” she said.

“Even more than that is our small little niche boutique hotels. They are just generating and exciting people. The Island House [is] one of a kind. Ocean West – there are so many of these properties that have made Nassau and Paradise Island an exciting destination, she said.

“When one goes to Bimini and Exuma it’s being replicated there. So constant refreshing of the product means that it remains exciting,” she added.