GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Investment, the Hon. Chester Cooper remains confident, hopeful and optimistic about Grand Bahama’s future, as the island is already the fastest-growing destination in the country for air arrivals and on track to becoming the fastest-growing cruise destination in The Bahamas.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper’s remarks came at the Heads of Agreement signing ceremony for the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort on May 15, 2025 when he made no apologies for his optimism and congratulated real estate developer Concord Wilshire and their partners for their vision, boldness and confidence in the resort and Grand Bahama Island.
The sale of the Grand Lucayan resort is a strategic move that sets the foundation for long-term economic growth and revitalization.
Cooper explained that the Davis administration took its time, was deliberate and more determined to find the right deal for the people of Grand Bahama.
“The one that delivers for the people of Grand Bahama, retailers, straw vendors, taxi drivers, tour operators, hair-braiders and entrepreneurs alike. That’s why we took our time,” he said.
Already, GBI Tourism numbers have turned in its favor.
At 11.6 percent, Grand Bahama is already the fastest-growing destination in the country for air arrivals.
That’s a sign of regained momentum – and it’s just the beginning.
Come July, Carnival’s Celebration Key will open, bringing with it a surge of roughly one million visitors in 2025, this will more than double overall arrivals for the island in 2024.
Grand Bahama is also on track to become the fastest-growing cruise destination in The Bahamas, which will in 2026 deliver millions of passengers.
Said the Deputy Prime Minister: "Grand Bahama, with that important backdrop and with this announcement, it’s safe to say your ship has come in.
"A redeveloped Grand Lucayan hotel and the surrounding area is a key plan in the overall ecosystem of the island of Grand Bahama.
"With nearly $1billion of new investment, the project is intended to be redeveloped as a first class-mixed use resort that is envisioned to include, among other features, a hotel, restaurants, casino, a championship golf course, a timeshare resort and residential resort and mega-yacht marina, and significant retail footprint in the restoration of the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
"This will again bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Bahama."
He continued: "And let me say that tourism success isn’t measured in visitor stats alone. It’s about how many Bahamians benefit from that growth.
"This revitalization is expected to create hundreds of new jobs – from hotel and hospitality roles to tour operators, vendors, artists and entertainers.
"We fully expect that this will become the largest employer in the Northern Bahamas, recruiting training and empowering a world-class workforce.
"Grand Bahamians you have waited decades, you must now be at the center of this transformation, on all fronts."
"You already have natural wonders – like the 44 beaches, Blue Holes and Lucayan National Park, Reefs and the myriad of sustainable tourism draws like Mission for Mangrove and Coral Vita.
"This development is poised to continue your quest for events, entertainment, concerts -- a calendar of cultural events -- festivals, regattas, and giving visitors more reasons to stay longer and explore more."
(BIS Photo)
