By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Bahamas is “back to business” after the passage of Hurricane Irma, officials said Wednesday.

All airports in The Bahamas are now open and operating, with international and domestic service having resumed.

Major properties in Nassau have already welcomed new guests, and cruise ships were slated to begin arriving in Nassau on Wednesday.

While most of the islands of The Bahamas escaped severe damage, tourism officials sent their thoughts and prayers to those affected.

“The aftermath of Hurricane Irma in parts of the Caribbean is devastating,” said Hon. Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “The Bahamas considers itself very fortunate to have been spared the worst of this storm, but our hearts go out to all those impacted.”

The Sandyport Beach Resort in Nassau.

Officials said the Bahamas’ tourism product in Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and the increasingly popular Out Islands was “unharmed,” with damage limited to “cosmetic” damage to tourism facilities in places like Crooked Island, Inagua and Mayaguana to major structural damage on Ragged Island.

Assessment of Acklins Island is ongoing.

“We are thankful that The Bahamas has generally weathered the storm well, but we continue to evaluate the conditions across all of our islands as we gather information from hotels, attractions and partners,” said Joy Jbrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “The Bahamas deeply appreciates the good wishes on our behalf this week, and we will seek to assist as we can.”