The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, in partnership with Aliv/Cable Bahamas, today launched the first phase of the Smart City Programme in Downtown Nassau that will allow extensive Wi-Fi coverage to Nassau Cruise Port and nearby tourist areas. One of the goals is getting more cruise passengers to disembark and share in real-time their experiences in the city. This groundbreaking initiative will also position The Bahamas as a regional leader in technology-driven tourism that simultaneously fosters economic growth and sustainability.
The initial phase introduces a robust Wi-Fi network stretching from Nassau Cruise Port to Arawak Cay in the west and to the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge in the east. This turnkey solution enables locals and visitors to access seamless internet connectivity to navigate the city, find attractions and restaurants, stay connected, and enjoy an
enhanced digital experience.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said, “The Smart City Programme is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability in tourism. By harnessing the power of technology, we are creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, enhancing the experiences of our visitors, and setting the stage for a smarter, more connected future for our country.”
The programme creates significant opportunities for businesses to connect with a highly targeted audience. Sponsors will benefit from custom login pages, real-time notifications, and featured placement on the network. Because users must engage with sponsor content to gain access, the platform guarantees visibility and return on investment. The system also increases foot traffic to nearby storefronts and attractions, making it a valuable tool for both marketing and economic development.
“The Smart City Programme is a groundbreaking initiative that showcases the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors. It is projects like this that we promote as catalyst for a vibrant technology industry in the Bahamas. We remain confident that we can be the Center for Innovation for the Caribbean” said the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama and Co-Chair of Innovate242 Initiative.
Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology said “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also unlocking economic opportunities that were previously untapped. This partnership with Aliv is expected to generate substantial revenue, with a structured model ensuring sustainability and reinvestment into our nation’s digital infrastructure.”
Beyond sponsor visibility, the platform will collect real-time data on tourist demographics and behaviors. These insights will help shape targeted marketing strategies, inform infrastructure planning, and support the development of small businesses. Future phases will deepen this data intelligence to track visitor engagement trends and ultimately convert more cruise passengers into long-term stayover guests.
“This initiative represents a significant leap forward in how technology can enhanc urban experiences for both residents and visitors by delivering seamless connectivity and innovative digital solutions,” said John Gomez, CEO of Aliv. “As a leading provider of telecommunications in The Bahamas, Aliv is honoured to partner with the government on this transformative Smart City Programme.”
In addition to connectivity, the Smart City initiative will introduce advanced technologies such as AI-powered video monitoring for enhanced security, environmental sensors to monitor air and noise quality, radar-based traffic
management, solar energy stations to reduce public energy consumption, beacon alerts in key areas, integration of the recently completed Google Street View experience to allow travelers to visually explore downtown Nassau, and cashless payment systems to streamline the visitor experience.
The launch of this first phase marks the beginning of a larger vision to enhance the programme’s reach and effectiveness. Plans for Phase 2 are underway with the goal of expanding the programme westward beyond Arawak Cay and eastward to additional key areas of Downtown Nassau.
“Tourism is everyone’s business,” added DPM Cooper. “This programme equips our stakeholders with tools to unlock the economic potential of cruise tourism while showcasing The Bahamas as a destination that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Our goal is to inspire cruise visitors to explore, engage, and ultimately return as stayover guests.”
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