Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas Open

NASSAU, Bahamas, Oct. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane Sandy continues its exit from Bahamian waters. In Nassau/Paradise Island the Lynden Pindling International Airport opened Thursday afternoon, as have hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues accommodating many guests including those who began arriving Thursday night.   

The airports across other islands are also expected to re-open throughout the day Saturday pending weather conditions and safety inspections.  Currently open are airports on Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, San Salvador, Exuma, Bimini, Andros, Marsh Harbour Airport on Abaco, and Governor's Harbour and North Eleuthera, on Eleuthera.  The airport on Grand Bahama Island is expected to re-open on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The port on Nassau is now open, and Grand Bahama Island is expected to re-open on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Those with plans to travel to The Bahamas Oct. 27-28, 2012 are advised to check in directly with their air carriers, hotels and cruise lines regarding reservations. Air carriers have resumed service into Nassau, but may have made changes to departure times or other details.  Contact airlines directly for updates.

Damage assessments are not complete, but initial reports indicate a quick return to business for hotels and cruise ships in primary tourism centers of Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and Exuma.  Weather has not allowed direct inspection of the impact on southern islands like Cat Island, Long Island as well as The Abacos and Eleuthera.  There are preliminary reports of impacts along the coastlines, trees down and moderate roof damage to smaller structures, but no major structural damage is reported at this time.

"It appears that major engines of our tourism economy, like Atlantis on Paradise Island, the Sheraton, Hilton, Breezes and Sandals on Exuma and the resorts of the Lucaya area on Grand Bahama Island and other hotels across the islands, seem poised to return to business immediately which is good news.  We will get teams out in the field to fully inspect and evaluate the impact of Sandy, but we are encouraged by the early reports we have received.  Clearly you will see some dramatic images like boats washed ashore or missing shingles or fallen trees, but these are things we would expect," said the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe. There is an unconfirmed report of one fatality possibly related to Hurricane Sandy involving a resident of Nassau who fell from his roof Thursday evening.

All visitors and potential visitors are advised to follow the progress of Hurricane Sandy closely (www.nhc.noaa.gov) and avail themselves of the Bahamas Hotel Association hurricane cancellation policy.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as the situation warrants.

*All times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Media Contacts:   
Jessica Parker
Weber Shandwick
(212) 445-8263
[email protected]

Anita Johnson-Patty                                                   
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(954) 236-9292                       
[email protected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism