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FCCA: Most of Bahamas open, cruise calls help recovery

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While the slow-moving nature of Hurricane Dorian caused ‘unspeakable destruction’ in Grand Bahama and Abaco, business is fully operational in Nassau and a host of Bahamian private islands, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association said.

The rapid response of the Bahamas, neighboring destinations and FCCA member lines is helping Bahamians recover their livelihoods and rebuild cruise tourism, the ‘lifeblood of their economy,’ according to FCCA.

Average cruise call generates $650,000 for economy

The association said an average cruise call to the Bahamas generates more than $650,000 in local economic benefits.

According to a study by Business Research and Economic Advisors, cruise tourism was calculated to have generated $405.75m, in addition to 9,004 jobs paying $155.71m in wage income, in the Bahamas during the 2017-18 cruise season.

Plus, $5m in member line relief aid

FCCA President Michele Paige also noted that in less than a week, member lines had committed $5m in hurricane relief assistance and support including delivering provisions and engaging the local communities to ascertain needs and how to best help.

‘Our hearts are with all of those throughout the Bahamas impacted by this historic event, and we hope this support will provide some normalcy to their lives, along with solace in these trying tmes,’ Paige said.

Proven resiliency

‘However, the people of the Bahamas have proven their resiliency time and time again,' she added, 'so there is no question that those affected will build back even better.’