Bahamas Deemed “Most Diverse Destination in the Caribbean”

Hotel mogul Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has dubbed The Bahamas the “perfect vacation destination”, asserting that the country is on track to regain its status as the tourism mecca in the region.

The founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) said he believes the country has a great future because it understands the importance of promotion and provides a strong product.

“The name of The Bahamas gets better and better. I think the people that are promoting tourism in The Bahamas are doing a fine job because people think more and more of The Bahamas as a quality destination, and an upscale destination,” Stewart said.

“You have the most magnificent group of islands that form the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and I love it. All of the islands are unique.”

Stewart elaborated on his latest trip to The Bahamas calling it “one of the nicest holidays” he ever had. Describing the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches as one of a kind, he added that the archipelago is one of the most diverse destinations in the region, offering much more than just sun, sand, and sea to its many visitors.

“You want good entertainment? It’s there. You want good shopping? It’s there. You want to meet nice people? [They are there] in abundance. You want to go fishing? It’s there. You want a great hotel? They’re there. What better place in the world is there? None,” said the hotel operator.

His comments came during an interview at a Caribbean Tourism Organization event at the Hilton hotel in New York. The resort developer congratulated the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism on its Golden Jubilee and said he anticipates 50 more years of success in the tourism industry.

“I met some of the Bahamian youth in the industry who are very bright and have a good attitude, and I look at the big Baha Mar development you have coming up and the future is bright,” the resort developer explained.

“You look at a place like Atlantis and there’s so much to it, like the casinos, the waterparks, quality accommodations, different restaurants etc. The same with Sandals which has its own special charm, and all the resorts have their own strengths.”

Sandals has deep roots in The Bahamas with Sandals Royal Bahamian in New Providence and Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma. Stewart owns and runs 20 resorts under the Sandals Resorts International umbrella with properties in Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. RI is world-renowned for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts dotting the Caribbean. The company’s primary hotel brands are Sandals and Beaches.

Source: The Bahamas Weekly