Business as usual in The Bahamas following Hurricane Wilma
All airports, deep-water harbors and most hotels up and running while Grand Bahama Island promptly restores tourism facilities
Nassau, Bahamas (October 26, 2005) – It’s back to business in The Islands Of The Bahamas after the passage of Hurricane Wilma. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism reports that all international airports are open for business and most hotels are welcoming guests.
Grand Bahama Island was impacted by Wilma causing temporary disruption of traffic into Freeport International Airport. The airport has reopened and is receiving international and domestic flights. While evaluation of the residential areas of the island continues, the resort area of Grand Bahama suffered minimal damage limited largely to cleanup and landscaping operations. All resorts on Grand Bahama, except Old Bahama Bay, are operational. Old Bahama Bay’s initial assessment indicates moderate damage, but the resort anticipates reopening within 30 days. The deep-water harbor at Freeport is again open and Carnival cruise line has resumed port calls. Discovery cruise line, which offers daily ferry service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Freeport, is expected to resume service on Friday, October 28.
The Second Annual Grand Bahama Jazz Rhythm & Blues Festival will go on as scheduled at the Westin & Sheraton Grand Bahama beginning Thursday, October 27, 2005.
Nassau and Paradise Island were not impacted by Wilma and are fully operational with cruise ship and resort guests enjoying good weather and a full range of activities. Nassau International Airport is open and operating normally, including US Customs and Immigration. All resorts on the island are open as are local attractions and shops. The cruise port is open and welcoming regularly scheduled ships and those diverted from other destinations.
In the Out Islands of The Bahamas assessment continues, but early indications are positive. North Bimini suffered only cosmetic damage and cleanup is already underway. Bimini Big Game Club is open for business and the marina is undamaged. South Bimini did experience storm surge with some damage to coastal properties reported. The airport is operating and ready to receive flights once air carriers resume normal schedules.
Abaco experienced only slight damage and all tourism facilities are back to business as usual. Cleanup is already underway and a rapid return to normal is expected. The airport is open and ready for the return of regularly scheduled flights.
The Ministry of Tourism will continue to assess the effects of Hurricane Wilma.
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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