AGP Executive Report

Cruise Changes: Royal Caribbean diverted Oasis of the Seas to Halifax, replacing planned Florida and Bahamas stops after storm forecasts. More than 5,000 passengers received little notice of the change. Bimini Safety: British visitor Leanne Gregory, 36, died after a strong current swept her away as she tried to rescue her sons while snorkeling near Bimini. The boys were rescued; police said foul play is not suspected. Grand Bahama Plans: Prime Minister Philip Davis proposed a new development council, a review of Freeport’s governing agreement and a new international airport terminal. Culture & Stays: The Fuze reception showcased more than 100 artists, with officials urging visitors to see the Bahamas as more than sun, sand and sea. Holland America also welcomed guests to its new Half Moon Cay Beach Club.

Bimini Tragedy: British visitor Leanne Gregory, 36, died after a strong current swept her and her sons away during a family snorkeling trip near Bimini. The boys were rescued; police say foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy will determine the cause of death. Grand Bahama’s Future: Prime Minister Philip Davis has proposed a development council, changes to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and a new international airport terminal as part of a plan to reshape the island’s economy. The Grand Bahama Port Authority is calling for meaningful consultation with local businesses and residents. Tourism Workforce: Twelve Grand Bahama Shipyard apprentices have returned from 18 weeks of technical training in Liverpool to continue their four-year programme. Island Experiences: Holland America has opened its new Beach Club at Half Moon Cay, with priority tendering, drinks and dining among the paid day-pass offerings. At Baha Mar, the FUZE festival is also putting Bahamian art and cuisine in the spotlight, broadening the resort’s appeal beyond sun and sea.

Visitor Safety: A 36-year-old British woman died after strong currents swept her and her two sons out to sea during a snorkeling trip near Bimini on Oct. 20. A water-taxi crew rescued the boys; an autopsy will determine the cause of death. Cruise Experiences: Holland America opened its new Beach Club at Half Moon Cay, adding priority tendering, food and drinks, upgraded cabanas and pickleball courts. Norwegian Cruise Line and Campari also opened an Aperol beach lounge at Great Stirrup Cay. Cruise Disruptions: Rough weather sent Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas to Halifax instead of its planned Bahamas stops; passengers received vouchers worth 50% off a future trip. Tourism Workforce: University of The Bahamas brought industry leaders and students together to discuss cruise, hospitality and culinary careers, with tourism officials stressing the need for skilled workers and sustainable, personalized visitor experiences.

Bimini Tragedy: A 36-year-old British tourist died after being swept away while trying to rescue her two sons during a snorkelling trip. The boys were rescued; powerful currents made the recovery difficult. Tourism Workforce: University of The Bahamas brought tourism, hospitality and culinary leaders together with students at THeCALM Week, as officials stressed the need for skilled workers and sustainable, authentic visitor experiences. Grand Bahama Development: Prime Minister Philip Davis says demolition has begun at the Grand Lucayan, with a planned MSC beach club targeted to open in 2028 alongside the first phase of the Billy Cay cruise development. Travel Access: North Eleuthera runway repairs are expected to finish this week, while Southwest plans to launch Austin–Nassau service in June 2027. Visitor Experience: Baha Mar’s art and culture offerings are being promoted as a way to attract more visitors and broaden the resort experience.

Cruise Disruptions: Norwegian Luna is skipping Great Stirrup Cay on its Bahamas sailing because of propulsion trouble. Separately, rough weather sent Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas north to Halifax instead of Florida and the Bahamas; passengers were offered 50% future-travel vouchers. Air Access: Southwest plans to launch Austin–Nassau service in June 2027, adding a new direct link from Texas. Arts and Culture: Baha Mar’s Fuze Caribbean Art Fair aims to make culture part of the draw, with 54 exhibition booths, six installations and more than 100 artists. Island Escapes: A feature on Acklins highlights its quiet beaches, clear-water flats and bonefishing—an off-the-beaten-path option for visitors seeking a slower-paced Bahamas trip.

Culture-led Travel: Baha Mar arts chief John Cox says art and culture can give visitors another reason to choose The Bahamas. The October 21–25 FUZE fair features more than 100 artists and 54 exhibition booths. Cruise Island Updates: Holland America has refreshed the south side of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, adding a food pavilion and a bookable beach club. Grand Bahama Plans: Prime Minister Philip Davis outlined proposals to review the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and create a development council, changes with potential implications for investment and tourism on the island. Travel Weather: A slow-moving system near The Bahamas could bring several days of rain, gusty winds and flooding to the region; travelers should check conditions before heading out. Local Travel Access: Bahamian-owned Best Stay Travels has launched an online agency offering trip planning and local stays, aiming to connect visitors with experiences across the islands. Quiet-Island Escape: A new travel feature spotlights Acklins’ uncrowded beaches, clear flats and bonefishing. Abaco Investment: Treasure Cay homeowners are hopeful as a proposed $177 million redevelopment moves toward a sale closing, though final steps remain.

Acklins Escape: A new travel feature spotlights the island’s empty beaches, clear-water flats and bonefishing, offering a quieter alternative to busier Bahamian destinations. Local Travel: Bahamian-owned Best Stay Travels has launched an online agency featuring verified stays, tailored itineraries and local experiences. Abaco Development: Treasure Cay homeowners are hopeful as a proposed $177 million redevelopment moves closer to closing, with permits issued and final steps underway. Baha Mar Arts: The FUZE Caribbean Art Fair runs through October 25, bringing more than 100 artists to the resort and unveiling a scholarship for Bahamian students. Travel Weather: A slow-moving system could bring days of heavy rain, gusty winds and flooding to the Bahamas and Florida; visitors should watch forecasts and check travel plans. Exuma Stay: New Baymahni resort on Stocking Island offers beachfront bungalows, Bahamian dining and boat access from George Town. Sustainable Tourism: The Tourism Ministry is supporting mangrove restoration on Grand Bahama, with a community conservation day scheduled for October 24.

Travel Conditions: A slow-moving system could bring several days of heavy rain, gusty winds and flash-flood risk to The Bahamas and Florida, so visitors should monitor local forecasts and check travel plans. Baha Mar Festival: The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival opens today and runs through Oct. 25, showcasing Bahamian and international artists and chefs as the resort looks to draw visitors through food and culture. New Exuma Stay: Baymahni has opened on Stocking Island, with beachfront bungalows, a beach club and boat access from George Town—adding a fresh option for travelers seeking an Out Islands escape. Bimini Getaway: JetBlue and Virgin Voyages are selling a limited adults-only package combining flights from New York with a four-night cruise that calls at Key West and Bimini in March 2027. Tourism Outlook: Director General Jackson Weech says officials are cautiously optimistic that visitor growth will continue through year-end, following strong first-half results. Sports Tourism: GFNY Bahamas is building international exposure for New Providence, with its cycling route passing Baha Mar Boulevard and local natural and heritage attractions.

Tourism Outlook: Director General Jackson Weech says officials are cautiously optimistic that strong visitor growth will continue through year-end, potentially making 2026 another banner year. Events & Experiences: Baha Mar’s Culinary & Arts Festival runs Oct. 21–25, with Scotiabank as presenting sponsor. JetBlue and Virgin Voyages are also selling an adults-only flight-and-cruise package, departing March 4, 2027, with a stop at the Bimini Beach Club. Cruise Development: MSC’s proposed $400 million Grand Bahama terminal could handle up to 20,000 passengers daily and create 320 permanent jobs; construction could begin in 2027, pending approvals. Meanwhile, rough weather sent Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas to Halifax instead of its planned Bahamas stops. Sports Tourism: The Hero World Challenge returns to Albany Dec. 3–6, with seven of the world’s top 10 players announced; host Tiger Woods remains a possibility for one of three open spots. GFNY Bahamas is also building its profile as an international cycling event showcasing New Providence.

Sports Tourism: GFNY Bahamas brought international cyclists to New Providence on October 18, showcasing attractions from Primeval Forest National Park to Clifton Heritage National Park and adding momentum to the country’s sports-tourism offering. Air Access: A $312 Delta round-trip fare from Newark to Nassau is available for November 9–16, though prices and fees can change. Grand Bahama Investment: MSC’s proposed $400 million Billy Cay cruise terminal could handle 20,000 passengers daily and create 320 permanent jobs; construction is targeted to begin in 2027, pending approvals. Tourism Talent: Bahamian junior tourism minister Raia Cargill placed second at the CTO’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress, calling for young people to help shape the industry. Cruise Disruptions: Royal Caribbean rerouted Oasis of the Seas away from Nassau and CocoCay to Halifax as severe weather threatened the East Coast, cancelling all three planned Bahamas and Florida stops. Exuma Development: A court decision on approvals for the Rosewood Exuma project could influence future resort development and environmental review in The Bahamas.

Air Access: A Delta round-trip fare from Newark to Nassau was listed at $312 for Nov. 9–16, a timely option for travelers planning a pre-Thanksgiving escape. Prices can change, so check baggage fees and the final fare before booking. Grand Bahama Cruise Investment: MSC’s proposed $400 million Billy Cay terminal could handle up to 20,000 passengers a day and create 320 permanent jobs. Construction is targeted to start in January 2027, subject to approvals, with the first phase planned for 2028. Cruise Changes: Royal Caribbean rerouted Oasis of the Seas to Halifax because of East Coast storm conditions, canceling planned calls at Nassau and CocoCay. The change is a reminder that weather can disrupt Bahamas cruise plans. Exuma Tourism: Stopover arrivals rose 4%, as officials look to build on growth alongside airport and investment projects. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bahamian private island has a new permanent Aperol beach lounge, adding another guest experience as the destination prepares for more than one million visitors a year.

Cruise Tourism: Royal Caribbean brought Trevello travel advisors to Perfect Day at CocoCay, including its beach clubs, as part of a training voyage. Separately, worsening East Coast weather forced Oasis of the Seas to drop its Bahamas stops and sail to Halifax instead. Travel Trade: Anguilla’s tourism board reported new inquiries and bookings after meeting more than 70 luxury travel advisors at ILTM North America, held at Baha Mar in Nassau. Out-Island Growth: Exuma stopover arrivals rose 4%, while the government says $1.5 billion in investments are progressing and aims to complete the airport by mid-2027. Resort News: The Ocean Club on Paradise Island has reopened with redesigned ocean-view rooms. Grand Bahama: The island’s Oktober Beer and Barbecue Festival is set for October 24.

Cruise Disruption: Royal Caribbean rerouted Oasis of the Seas’ October 18 sailing to Halifax as an East Coast storm built, cancelling planned stops at Nassau and CocoCay. Guests were offered onboard credit and future-cruise credits. Exuma Access: Tourism and aviation leaders warned rising fees could push fares to Staniel Cay near $1,000 round-trip, threatening demand. Officials also outlined airport upgrades, including a $35 million project at Exuma International. Resort News: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, has reopened after refreshing 28 ocean-view rooms in its historic Hartford Wing. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Nassau for the first time, November 13–15. Organizers expect more than 500 regional visitors.

Winter Sun: A new Bahamas hotel guide highlights options from Nassau’s resorts to secluded Out Island retreats, including Rosewood Baha Mar, Kamalame Cay and The Cove. Resort News: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, has reopened with refreshed ocean-view rooms and suites in its historic Hartford Wing. Exuma Access: Tourism executives warn that fees and rising airfares could price visitors out, with round trips to Staniel Cay potentially nearing $1,000. Airport upgrades are planned across Exuma and nearby cays. Bimini Dining: Virgin Voyages is bringing Caribbean-inspired dishes, including roti and snapper patties, to its Beach Club at Bimini. Grand Bahama Events: The Oktober Beer and Barbecue Festival moves to Taino Beach on October 24, with live music, family activities and hotel-area bus service. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, November 13–15, with organizers expecting more than 500 regional visitors.

Tourism Talent: Carnival Corporation backed the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s youth congress at SOTIC, where 15-year-old Anguillan Amarni Webster won the 2026 title. Affordable Getaways: Nassau is among the cheapest Canadian flight options this November, with round-trip fares from Toronto under $350, offering a timely boost for shoulder-season travel. Resort Updates: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, has reopened with refreshed ocean-view rooms in its historic Hartford Wing. Virgin Voyages has also added Caribbean-inspired dishes to its Beach Club Bimini menu. Exuma Access: Stopover arrivals rose 4%, but tourism leaders warn that rising aviation fees could push fares to Staniel Cay close to $1,000 and weaken demand. Airport upgrades are planned across Exuma and nearby cays. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, November 13–15, with more than 500 regional visitors expected. Grand Bahama Events: The Oktober Beer and Barbecue Festival moves to Taino Beach on October 24, with live music, local food and hotel-area bus service for visitors.

Travel Conditions: A strong cold front could bring near-gale winds, rough seas and coastal flooding across The Bahamas from Saturday night through Tuesday; visitors should check local advisories and ferry plans. Air Access: Nassau is featured among Canada’s cheapest November getaways, with round-trip flights from Toronto under $350. But operators warn rising fees could push fares to Exuma’s cays toward $1,000, threatening demand. Sports Tourism: The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time, Nov. 13–15 in Nassau, with more than 500 regional visitors expected. Resort Updates: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, has reopened with refreshed ocean-view rooms, while Virgin Voyages has added Caribbean dishes to its Bimini Beach Club menu. Exuma Development: The airport redevelopment is targeted for mid-2027, as officials cite $1.5 billion in projects progressing across the island and reaffirm opposition to mass cruise tourism there. Grand Bahama Events: The Oktober Beer and Barbecue Festival moves to Taino Beach on Oct. 24, with live music, family activities and hotel-area bus service for visitors.