A new charter made its inaugural flight from Italy to Freeport, Grand Bahama June 9, 2016.

The Boeing 767-300ER Alpitour flight will provide direct service to the island from Milan until September 1, 2016.

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In her contribution to the Debate on the 2016/2017 Budget, the Hon. C.V. Hope Strachan, Minister of Financial Services, spoke to the important contribution of the sector to the Bahamian economy, noting that it accounts for (a) more than 15% of the GDP of The Bahamas, (b) more than 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly, representing more than 13% of total employment, and (c) generates substantial government revenues of approximately $200 million and 19% of the tax base. She pointed out that the sector contributes to the Bahamian economy as a whole by providing access to global capital markets and facilitating investment opportunities that would not otherwise be attainable, and which encourage entrepreneurial activities that foster economic growth.

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Approximately 200 leaders from the private sector, governments, multilateral development banks, bilateral agencies and civil society met at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) headquarters in Washington D.C. on June 7 and 8 to share successful and innovative initiatives to help shape the gender equality agenda in the coming years.

The goal of this World Summit – “Stereotypes & Opportunities: Women’s Economic Empowerment” – was to facilitate the exchange of best practices and evidence-based approaches to advance the economic empowerment of women worldwide.

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… [Prime Minister] Christie said the government had executed a waiver of exclusivity with Freeport Harbour Co. with respect to the operation of cruise ports on Grand Bahama.

This, and a new memorandum of understanding with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Hutchison Ports and other related entities, have ‘cleared the way for completion of negotiations with Carnival Cruise Line for the creation of a major cruise port with compelling attractions in East Grand Bahama,’ the prime minister said.

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This is an excerpt from Seatrade Cruise News as it appeared on June 10, 2016. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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Last week was Caribbean Week in New York City and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism held a number of musical and cultural events all over the city.
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Sandals Emerald Bay hosted its 1st Annual Global Golf Tournament attracting top producing travel agents from Canada, South America and the U.S.

The four-day event was very well attended according to Sandals General Manager, Jeremy Mutton, with 80 travel agents and travel partners participating.

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The Cellular Liberalisation Task Force has advised the public that the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has been duly notified to proceed with the licensing of the new cellular mobile company (NewCo).

Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) will have a 48.25 per cent shareholding, as well as board and management control of NewCo. The licences will be awarded after URCA has completed the final formalities of the licensing process.

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Luxury vessels are open to the public next week during the Bahamas Yacht and Travel Show 2016. Watch a ZNS Network news report here.
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The combination of Bahamian food, drinks, music and culture all makes for one thing: a slamming party in the backyard. And hundreds of Bahamians in the tri-state area, American travel agents and journalists were treated to just that. In celebration of Caribbean Week in New York, the Ministry of Tourism hosted a party in the backyard that was chock-full of Bahamian delights.

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MIAMI and MCLEAN, Va. June 7, 2016 (Hilton) – Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Resorts World Bimini today announced that Hilton at Resorts World Bimini has completed its second phase opening, introducing major enhancements to the hotel’s accommodation, food & beverage, meetings & events and wellness offerings. Hilton at Resorts World Bimini first opened in 2015 and is now in full swing with more than 300 guest rooms, including 18 luxury suites, six dining options, a first-class spa and a rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the island. The hotel is owned and operated by Resorts World Bimini under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), and celebrated the completion of these upgrades with a ribbon cutting ceremony this past weekend.

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