Freeport Business Expo2 sparking tourism innovation in GB

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and key stakeholders are set to host the highly anticipated Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition2, a two-day event aimed at energizing the local economy and ushering in a new era of opportunity for entrepreneurs across Grand Bahama and by extension, The Bahamas.

The expo is scheduled for May 1 and 2 at Grand Lucayan hotel.

The GBPA hopes it will serve as a launch pad for tourism-focused businesses. The expo will feature a wide range of seminars, international vendor displays, and one-on-one financial sessions.

Painting a vibrant picture of the island’s future, GBPA President Ian Rolle said, “These are very exciting times.”

Rolle referenced his recent tour of the soon to be completed Carnival cruise port, which he declared could be “the most spectacular cruise port in the world”.

With Carnival Cruise Line committing to serving over 2.5 million passengers in the port’s first year, Rolle emphasized the urgent need to increase local capacity and creativity to meet the increased demand.

“We have a responsibility to ensure our brothers and sisters benefit from this significant economic activity,” he said.

To support this vision, Rolle announced that the expo will bring together both local and international vendors with the goal of introducing innovative product offerings.

He said there will be a surprise pitch event during the expo, where innovators could win cash prizes and a free year of licensing, part of a broader mission to inspire originality and support viable, sustainable ventures.

“We don’t want copycats. We want uniqueness, and we’ll reward that,” Rolle said.

“We’re not just bringing back magic. We’re becoming a blessed city, everlasting in opportunity.”

He encouraged would-be entrepreneurs to think differently, educate themselves, read books such as “Blue Ocean Strategy”, and embrace risk through unique business ideas.

GBPA’s Quality Assurance Manager Glenda Sweeting said, “There will be tourism industry presentations, financial institution panels, licensing information, and more than 10 international exhibitors on the show floor.”

Sweeting noted that during last year’s expo, entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners interested in the tourism sector wanted to hear more about financial opportunities.

“This year we have several of those institutions that will be in the room making presentations on the opportunities they have to offer,” she said.

“We understand that it’s very important for them to have conversations, not only with the international providers but local providers as well. They want their questions answered.”

Registration is available at freeportbusinessexpo.com, with VIP two-day tickets priced at $139 and single-day passes available for $100. VIP ticket holders will access exclusive business matchmaking opportunities.

“The show floor is open to everyone, but you must register,” Sweeting advised.

Organizers urge entrepreneurs from every island to attend.

“This is a national opportunity, and participants will see offerings that don’t yet exist in places like Nassau or Abaco,” Sweeting said.

“I believe, due to the significant uptick in tourism throughout the entire Bahamas, that it’s important for entrepreneurs in the various islands to also participate in this expo because they will see unique offerings that probably do not exist in New Providence, Exuma, Abaco or Andros or any of the other islands.”

President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Dillon Knowles echoed the sentiment.

“Business is nothing without customers and good products,” Knowles said. “This expo brings both together to boost our tourism sector.”

Jillian Williams, brand representative for the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, and Karenda Rolle of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s Grand Bahama Office, both emphasized the expo’s importance in empowering locals and strengthening our economy.

“I believe this initiative helps position Grand Bahama as the top destination in The Bahamas,” Rolle said.