NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Royal Caribbean Group and Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center have launched a funding program to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) in the Bahamas tourism sector.

The Royal Caribbean Group will make a donation of $ 250,000 to the Access Accelerator to set up a fund that will soon provide small businesses in Grand Bahama, Berry Islands and New Providence with the funding they need to expand the Bahamian tourism product represents.

Davinia Bain, Executive Director of Access Accelerator, said, “This partnership has the potential to be the greatest link between Bahamian MSMEs and the global marketplace. Local entrepreneurs get direct access to expand their offerings and serve millions of visitors vacationing in the Bahamas, including those who sail with one of the largest cruise lines in the world. “

Russell Benford.

Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations, Royal Caribbean Group, said, “The Royal Caribbean Group is preparing for this Home port in the BahamasThere is a renewed focus on cruise visitors who have now become layover guests.

“These tourists have the potential to have an impact on the industry and the demand for sourcing products and services such as tour excursions, handicrafts and authentic cultural experiences is expected to increase.”

Bain stated, “Access to potential procurement contracts can be a result of this deepened relationship. The possibilities are endless.

“The Access Accelerator is ready to help with guaranteed funding to make this happen. We want to be able to expand the experience by promoting innovation to diversify the tourism product while keeping it authentic.

“Let’s build on the Homeport’s efforts.”

The Royal Caribbean Group’s contribution is facilitated and managed by the Access Accelerator, and this new fund is in line with the Access Accelerator’s programmatic priority of making large investments in domestic tourism and the orange / creative industries.