By Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper hosted his parliamentary colleagues to an open house
tour of the Tourism Development’s Incubator, titled Sun, Sand and Souvenirs where he and his
ministry aims to give Bahamian small-business owners a platform to sell their products.
The Ministry of Tourism is ramping up efforts to foster entrepreneurship and empower local
businesses, with a particular focus on expanding incubation centers across the islands. This
initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the tourism sector, aims to create a
more diverse and dynamic economy by supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs, while also
enhancing the overall visitor experience.
In a recent address to members of parliament, government officials reiterated their commitment
to advancing behavioral entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for Bahamians to thrive in
the growing tourism market. Cooper emphasized that these efforts are not just theoretical but are
actively being implemented. “We are not just talking the talk; we are working the work,” he
stated. “We want everyone to be on board with what we’re doing, and we want to make sure
people come here to shop, experience our culture, and support Bahamian entrepreneurs.”
A key element of the government’s plan is the strategic deployment of the tourism levy, a $2 per
passenger charge imposed on visitors arriving by air or sea. Introduced through recent
legislation, the levy is being directed toward funding incubation centers that provide critical
support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those in the tourism-related sectors.
The objective is to create spaces where local artisans and business owners can develop their
skills, refine their products, and bring their goods to market.
“This is just the beginning,” Cooper says. “We’re excited about expanding rapidly, and when we
do, we want everyone involved. We need full buy-in from the community to make sure this
initiative reaches its full potential.”
The Ministry of Tourism has already made significant strides in implementing this vision in
Nassau, with several incubation centers in the pipeline. One of the major projects involves the
Royal Town Towers on Moor Drive, which is expected to become a key hub for
entrepreneurship. “The property has been identified, and we are in the process of completing
paperwork and designs,” Cooper shared. “We anticipate that the incubation centre there will be
up and running soon.”
In addition to Nassau, the government is turning its attention to other parts of The Bahamas,
including Grand Bahama and Exuma, which are seen as important growth areas. “We are aware
of the shortage of available buildings in Exuma, but we are actively exploring how to get that
project off the ground,” he explained. “This expansion of incubation centers is just the beginning.
We are looking forward to seeing how these centers can drive economic growth and create jobs
for Bahamians across the country.”

The expansion plans are also motivated by feedback from tourists. Many visitors have expressed
dissatisfaction with the limited shopping and cultural experiences available to them, a problem
the government is determined to address. “Tourists often complain that there isn’t enough to see,
do, and buy here,” said Cooper. “We’re working to change that by creating spaces where tourists
can find authentic Bahamian-made goods, experience our culture, and interact with local
artisans. This is the way forward.”
One of the government’s goals is to ensure that Bahamian goods especially those that highlight
the islands’ rich cultural heritage are more accessible to both locals and tourists. A shining
example of this is a young third-generation vendor who has successfully transitioned from
traditional straw weaving into creating beautiful, handcrafted Bahamian bags. Her grandmother
still practices the traditional craft in Exuma, but this new product is aimed at a broader market,
showcasing the evolution of Bahamian artistry.
Cooper also says, “We are a creative and industrious people, and we need to showcase to the
world.” “When tourists can find items here that are authentically Bahamian things they can’t get
anywhere else that’s what will truly elevate the destination. It’s about offering experiences and
products that visitors will treasure and want to take home.”
He says that by nurturing these types of businesses through incubation centers, they can help
scale the production of authentic local goods, providing both economic opportunities for
Bahamians and a richer, more distinctive experience for visitors. The goal is not only to generate
revenue but also to increase the attractiveness of The Bahamas as a travel destination known for
its unique culture and craftsmanship.
Alongside initiatives aimed at local entrepreneurship, the government is also focused on the
broader development of the tourism industry, including the future of major resorts like the
Atlantis Resort. Recently, there has been increasing speculation about a potential sale of the
Atlantis property, with reports suggesting interest from American investors. While government
officials were cautious in their comments, they affirmed that they are closely monitoring the
situation.
“We are always looking for ways to expand our tourism product and attract foreign direct
investment to The Bahamas,” Cooper said. “The Atlantis Resort is a significant asset, and while
there is some movement in the market, it’s important to wait for more concrete developments
before making any definitive statements.”
The Davis administration has made it clear that attracting new investments is a top priority,
especially as the country operates at near full capacity for stopover visitors. The tourism sector
remains a key driver of the Bahamian economy, and the government is committed to ensuring
that it continues to grow and evolve. “We are actively working with a number of potential
investors, and we have about $10 billion worth of projects in the pipeline,” said Cooper. “The
goal is to continuously improve the quality of the tourism product and to ensure that we are
poised for sustainable growth in the years ahead.”
The overarching vision for The Bahamas is to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on
tourism alone, particularly by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The government’s
efforts to create more incubation centers, particularly those dedicated to tourism-related products
and services, are seen as a key step in that direction.

“This is about empowering Bahamians to take control of their own businesses and their own
destinies,” said Cooper. “By creating spaces for growth and development, we are ensuring that
The Bahamas remains a vibrant, dynamic economy that can withstand the challenges of the
future.”
As the country works to implement its plans, the government is committed to making The
Bahamas a place where both locals and tourists can experience the best of what the islands have
to offer. The expansion of incubation centers is just the beginning, and the future looks
promising for both Bahamian entrepreneurs and the tourism industry.