Monday past, marked the official commencement of the new Bahamian Brewery Tours to the Downtown area, treating visiting cruise ship passengers to an array of authentic Bahamian wares and cultural experiences.

As scores of Bahamians celebrated 39 years of independence, local vendors can celebrate the beginning of economic vitality for the Downtown area.

Over the past year, Executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) along with partners have nurtured the development of this new tour and are excited to see it come to fruition. GBPA President, Ian Rolle says the tours are planned to offer three visits per day as scheduled by Grand Bahama Nature Tours (GBNT).

"This is an exciting time for the Downtown area and I encourage vendors to put their best product forward," stated President Rolle. "GBPA along with partners, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, (GBNT) and Erika Gates, the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and the Downtown Freeport Business Association (DFBA) have put significant work into bringing this tour to realization.

Now, it is up to vendors and business owners/operators to capitalize on the economic opportunities these tours will present." Said Rolle. "I can already see the luster returning to the area."

Tourists could be seen trafficking the area and purchasing native wares from the newly constructed 'Authentic Bahamian Village.' The colorful kiosks accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of indigenous music provided the perfect atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy.

Commercial Manager in the Business Development Department, Charles Pratt shared that tours are a welcomed addition to the area, the result of a shared effort by GBPA, GBNT and Erika Gates, MOT and the DFBA.

"We believe this is only the beginning of what's to come for the Downtown area," shared Pratt. "DFBA members are working feverishly in tandem with surrounding business owners and vendors, to ensure exceptional customer service, a variety of products, and a 'hands on experience' for visitors," Pratt explained.

GBPA's Downtown Turnaround Initiative was focused on breathing new life into the town's Centre. With the commencement of the new Bahamian Brewery Tours, all plans appear in alignment with the initiative's intended purpose.