Royal Caribbean International has announced a major new enhancement project at its CocoCay private island destination in the Bahamas.
The project will include the construction of a new pier, additional guest features and amenities and a push to help vendors and craftsmen promote local Bahamian culture to cruise visitors.
The CocoCay announcement came as Royal Caribbean also revealed a new multi-year initiative aiming to help grow the country’s tourism industry, including a training program for Bahamians interested in working in hospitality and a new hospitality curriculum to train students for cruise industry careers with the company.
“Royal Caribbean has been a long-standing partner of the islands of The Bahamas and their plans to significantly increase tourism to our country as well as to develop the talent of our youth and expand employment opportunities for Bahamians is commendable,” said Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Royal says it has committed to “rapidly growing the number of Bahamian nationals employed by the cruise line in the next five years.”
“Tourism is an important engine of growth for the economy of destinations in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and we are excited to bring more visitors on our newest and most innovative ships to this popular vacation spot,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Our commitment to The Bahamas is multifold. It is our responsibility to contribute to the country’s economic diversity, to its employment base and the training of Bahamian youth as well as the protection of the environment. We are excited about the continued growth of tourism in The Bahamas, and look forward to doing our part to keep that growth and progress moving along in the years to come.”
Royal Caribbean currently brings 1.7 million passengers each year to the Bahamas, with plans to expand that number.