The Bahamas’ Big Need Is Tourists, It Says

In what other ways can would-be visitors help the relief effort while visiting other than making sandwiches? Are other unscathed islands and resorts doing anything that tourists can join in to help during a vacation? Of course cash donations are the most direct way to help but what else? How about more information on this?

The media did a heavy-handed job of presenting the Bahamas as virtually destroyed and now an article encouraging us to visit...???

The problem is that while the people are friendly enough the Bahamas is just not that nice and there’s not much to do there. If you think you’re going to the Caribbean, you’re not. Everything environmentally had been destroyed before the massive hurricane. Most people there now just want to get out. And the way Trump and the Republicans are treated these refugees makes me ashamed to be an American.

So you're desperate for tourists, then DROP PRICES! Seriously drop prices. The Bahamas has always been a ripoff, suitable for the jaded moneyed crowd, no thanks to the CORPORATIONS that run the tourism business and almost everything else down there.

In 2001, my sister and I had booked a week long trip to New York City for late September. Then the attack on the World Trade Center happened and we considered cancelling our plans. Mayor Giuliani went on television and urged tourists not to cancel their plans as that would only further hurt a city that was already hurting badly. So we went and I am glad that we did. We paid homage to the scene of the tragedy but also enjoyed New York’s famous hospitality which did not seem to be affected. I was there last week for the 18th anniversary of 9/11 and found the spirit of New York endures. The Bahamas needs the same consideration in their hour of need.

As a part-time Abaconianfor for 6 years now, it has been like an a-bomb was dropped on Marsh Harbour. We're in constant contact with people on the ground every day since 30 Aug. Estimates are $4 billion damages in Abaco But I think it's double that. Many private agencies as well as the USCG, the USMC, the Royal Marines, have helped the RBDF and RBPF restore order, especially in Marsh Harbour. It took some effort, but the government has finally recognized that South Abaco, from about 50 miles south of MH, to Sandy Point still has undamaged infrastructure, needs to be activated as the backbone for re-building all of Abaco--water, power, communications, stores, even residences are intact, but need to be started up again. Spanish Well, at the north end of Eleuthra, shipped supplies to help South Abaco, which was forgotten but food, water, fuel and supplies were running out there too. People needed to be evacuated (including several dear friends). They were a life saver--so vacation on Eleuthra! Money and credit are the fuel and lubricant of rebuilding and tourism is the major source of revenue to the GDP. Visitors support all sorts of services, pay room taxes, VAT on any purchases, and, AFAIK, hotels DO pay property taxes. I know this is not the vacation season, but please, consider all the other islands for your next vacation. Thanks to the relief efforts. A special shout-out the MH's Fire Chief, Victor Patterson, who has made SO much happen to speed Abaco's recovery.

I went to a small beach town in India two weeks after the Tsunami after nearly cancelling until pleas from the tourism authority. It was a remarkable stay - the owner (of two hotels) had gone to staggering lengths to restore occupancy prior to the European season (my room had been completely destroyed and rebuilt). The staff was very appreciative though attempting to swim in the ocean caused great consternation.

Just how tourists will help the Bahamas get back on its feet? The profits go to big foreign hotel corporations, they do not stay in Bahamas. I don't think they even pay taxers. They import all their food (Bahamas do not have an agricultural sector to feed its people or businesses). The only thing impacted would be jobs of people in tourist sector, if they're laid off. But then the article must put it in these terms. Perhaps those people then could be employed in the construction sector, in building houses, in infrastructure. The ?Bahamians have not treated their Haitian refugees and undocumented workers well. They were the hardest hit by Dorian. I do not even know if my donations going to the poorest now homeless refugees (i.e. Haitians) is reaching them or if they're directed to services to other sectors impacting Bahamians.

Sorry, but island tourism across the Caribbean and the entire Gulf Coast all the way to Mexico is a continued form of colonialism and, even worse, a massive cause of environmental degradation. Vacation locally. It will benefit the US economy and the environment at the same time.

We all want to see the Bahamas recover as quickly as possible, but traditionally in September and October many of the smaller island resorts close for Hurricane season and with good reason. Let's all go to the Bahamas and enjoy their beautiful waters and beaches... but I think the Times is remiss to encourage people to go during the Hurricane season...wait until November when there are not storms brewing as frequently. I plan to take my whole family this year and maybe will order a boat from the Alburys when they are up and running again.

Yes I understand this but why would anyone go now -- during hurricane season? If there is one thing this storm has driven home is not to go to the Caribbean during hurricane season.

I vividly remember after 9/11 horror that then President Bush after a week urged us all to go shopping. The entire nation was somewhat paralyzed with sorrow and tragedy, but the economy was faltering. Sometimes it's a good thing to go out and spend money.