Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and Member of Parliament for Exuma and Ragged Island, the Hon. Chester Cooper addressed the Exuma Business Outlook this week where he said that tourism on Exuma is on pace to exceed 2019 numbers.
Mr. Cooper said, “in 2019, more than 70,000 visitors spend time in Exuma. As of August, we attracted 57,000 which is roughly 22% more than 2019 level which was a record setting year. Exuma is truly a success story in the business of tourism.”
According to Cooper, the government has attracted more the $1.2 billion in investments for the island including a resort, airport and marina for one of the many cays. He said, “that project will consist of at least fifty residences and sixty five boat slips, adjacent to the residences. Phase one of the project is expected to begin early next year and will take four years to complete. Overall that will mean an investment of more than $260 million.”
In his presentation, Minister Cooper also assured that work will resume on the Exuma International Airport this month. He says that the Government is in the final stages of securing funding through a public private partnership to ensure that ongoing development of the air and land side of the airport. Roadworks are also underway.
