Tourism Development Corporation Champions Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs

NASSAU, Bahamas, 29 July 2024 – The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the Bahamian tourism sector. Through a series of strategic initiatives and successful programs, TDC is empowering local businesses, driving economic growth and setting new standards for sustainable tourism development.

Over the past few years, TDC has spearheaded numerous initiatives designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhance the overall tourism experience in The Bahamas. One of the Corporation’s flagship projects is the establishment of the first Incubator Centre on East Bay Street. This centre provides affordable spaces for Bahamian entrepreneurs to showcase and sell locally made products, with a special focus on Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and wares.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, and our administration fully believes in its capacity to transform lives, empower communities, drive innovation and accelerate entrepreneurship like never before,” said the Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “The Tourism Development Corporation and the Tourism Development Fund are at the forefront of this transformation.”

In alignment with its mission to support economic growth, TDC has launched the Venture Pitch Program to aid SMEs in creating interactive websites, sourcing funding, and partnering with end-users. Phase one of the program has been completed in Nassau, Exuma and Grand Bahama. This pitch series will be extended across all the islands of The Bahamas.

The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) is set to launch Phase II, covering Andros, Berry Island, Bimini, Cat Island and Eleuthera.

The recent competitions recognized the following outstanding winners:

Nassau:

  • 1st Place: Rotalya Williams – $10,000
  • 2nd Place: Neil Dames – $8,000
  • 3rd Place: Rhondi Treco – $6,000

Exuma:

  • 1st Place: Johnette Moss – $10,000
  • 2nd Place: Lanardo Rolle – $8,000
  • 3rd Place: Tahjmann Smith – $6,000

Grand Bahama:

  • 1st Place: Ostia Thomas – $10,000
  • 2nd Place: Taria Lundy – $8,000
  • 3rd Place: Krishona Minnis – $6,000

The Tourism Development Corporation continues to drive transformative change within the Bahamian tourism sector. Through strategic initiatives, comprehensive training programs and unwavering support for local businesses, TDC is not only enhancing the tourism experience but also empowering Bahamians to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Through these efforts, the TDC is actively reshaping the landscape of Bahamian tourism, ensuring a more inclusive and locally driven industry for years to come.

For more information, please visit www.tdcbahamas.com, www.bahamas.com, and www.tourismtoday.com.

Press Inquiries:

Danielle Bodie
General Manager, Domestic Communications
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
dbodie@bahamas.com