Joy Jibrilu, director general, told TTG at WTM London: “There is no infrastructure, however, so our priority is rebuilding the airport first, and we are committed to rebuilding in the next 12 to 18 months.”

Although global visitor figures are down 10% year-on-year for October 2019, 2% growth is projected for November and December with increased global airlift planned.

Jibrilu insisted arrivals from the UK and Europe had not been dramatically impacted by the effects of the hurricane, adding: “Through to 1 August 2019 we were on track to have a record year with visitor figures up 17% year-on-year”.

“Then by the first two weeks of September we were down. For October, we are trending flat, but for November and December we are seeing an uptake and are forecasting 2% growth year-on-year, so the tide is turning,” she added.

Airlift updates include a new direct flight from Calgary in Canada with WestJet from December 2019; direct from Denver with United Airlines from March 2020, which will open up the entire West coast of the United States; and direct from Boston with Delta Air Lines from January 2020.

Although the Bahamas’ number one market continues to be the US, it will also focus on Europe going forwards.

“[European travellers] come for longer, they spend more money, and they are keen to get out and meet the locals. We cannot underestimate the value of every European visitor,” added Jibrilu.

She also confirmed marketing budgets had stayed the same as last year, revealing the amount represented an entire third of the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism’s annual budget.