THE BAHAMAS–At the 29th Caribbean Tourism Conference, in the Bahamas, Travel Agent was on site at a Bahamas Day Luncheon, at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club, at which Vernice Walkine, director general, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, outlined major tourism developments on the horizon. "The investment of the Ginn Company at West End is projected to reach almost $5 billion," said Walkine. "The development will be the Ginn Company's flagship property in the Caribbean, to be known as Ginn sur Mer." In New Providence, Baha Mar is set to create a $2 billion resort complex incorporating such brands as St. Regis and W Hotels. New Providence development also includes the projected opening of the Ritz-Carlton at Rose Island in 2009. The Atlantis Resort at Paradise Island is moving ahead with the third phase of development, which will include a new 600-suite luxury hotel, 400-unit condominium complex, expanded water theme park, expanded casino and a new convention center. In Rum Cay, a marina, marina village, hotel and residential area will be developed over several years at a projected value of $700 million. Walkine also noted that the Grand Bahama Yacht Club will expand to accommodate vessels up to 190 feet in more than 250 slips.
