Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper launched a $1 million grant funding programme for Bahamian owned short term vacation rentals on the island of Exuma over the weekend.

Cooper spoke with ZNS News about the initiatives on the sidelines of the event.  He said, “I think its important for the development of tourism and I’ve talked about needing more rooms in The Bahamas and the government is encouraging the private sector to do it but we’re doing something about it.”

An aim of the programme is to aid in replacing the available rooms lost with the closure of Sandals Emerald Bay Resort.  Cooper said, “this is just one of the many programmes  that we’re launching through the Tourism Development Corporation and I’m very excited about this initiative.”

Also on hand at the launch event was Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), Ian Strachan.  He explained the role of the TDC to those in attendance, “we are the agency of government responsible for providing that ongoing technical support to businesses specifically in tourism and hospitality.”

Phase one of the funding programme will make $10,000 available to short term renters for renovation and upkeep of their properties.  Cooper said, “this is going to go a long way in improving properties to ensure that the quality goes up market.”

The grant funding programme is funded by the TDC and the Bahamas Development Bank.