Greetings everyone,

I am currently a Bahamian student abroad and would like to know about the following issues:

What is meant by "Religious Tourism?"

Does it make sense to term it that way?

Are we labeling Tourism into categories??

Are "Religious Organizations" actually spending money in The Bahamas?

I will respond as soon as I receive answers.

Hi QL

Religious Tourism is the brain-child of Mr. Neil Ellis. He was the first person who suggested that the Bahamas Government should dip into the "Religious Tourism" industry, he promotes it as a trillion dollar industry.

From my understanding, the Min. of Tourism is to promote the Bahamas as a great place to hold conference by the Religious or Christian world. Conferences like what T.D. Jakes 'em does have:p

I am very concern about the word "RELIGIOUS" this is different from CHRISTIAN. In my unprofessional opinion this open door to any group of people to conduct any kind of services in the Bahamas. Do you understand what I'm saying.

And just how Mr. Christie embrace the Full Gospel Baptist Minister he would have to embrace these individuals. All I hope is that they recieve a better greeting than that which the homosexual cruisers did. I mean would they be welcome or met by screaming, angry "christians"


I wait and I watch and I listen:cool:

Where did you read that in my post???

Please do not add to or take away from what I am saying...

I am not called to have problems with any group of people but to tell them of the love I enjoy and the accepted I feel in God's presence because I chose to fellow the principles and teaching of Jesus, who is the Christ.

Please read my post again....

Originally posted by dacy2003
Hi QL
I am very concern about the word "RELIGIOUS" this is different from CHRISTIAN. In my unprofessional opinion this open door to any group of people to conduct any kind of services in the Bahamas. Do you understand what I'm saying.


:hot:
Did I just read that correctly? When we start talking like that it leads to people like Hitler, Pharoh, Ceaser, and Osama Bin-Laden. If this country is to welcome Christians here to hold conferences, seminars, or just to enjoy the water, we need to invite Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Bhuddists as well.

And people wonder why I have such a grudge against modern day "Christians".

Why would two individuals quote the same passage of my post and totally mess up the whole post. What about the the next paragraph....or is it that if you were to acknowledge that I hope other groups of people are embraced by our leaders, you won't have anything to argue about.


Grow up Baboon...if you chose to live like God does not exsist...by all means. But it is written that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every touge confess, that JESUS, THE CHRIST, is Lord.


Beside you don't have to justify your anger, God see and He knows your intermost pain and disappointments, and is waiting with open arms to heal, deliver and set you free.


My prayer is that God would open the blinded eyes that cant see... in Jesus name.

We already have religious tourism and it is not all Christian. What about the Yoga Retreat on PI. I believe that the more religious tourism the better! Of course, it would have to be open to all faiths and we would have to respect the convictions of those who come here. IF we are ready to do that then we should take advantage of that market.

We are so use to the beauty of this country that sometimes we take it for granted. But can you imagine how spiritually impressive it would be to a religious group to hold their service, meditations etc., on the beach at sunrise, or sunset? Especially if that group comes from a country where they are knee deep in snow! However, what if the group wants to sacrifice a goat at sunrise? Are we ready for that? Should we exclude them? How can we if this religious tourism is open to all, as it would have to be. So, are we really ready for this after all?
:angel: :angel: :angel:

Originally posted by CG
However, what if the group wants to sacrifice a goat at sunrise? Are we ready for that? Should we exclude them? How can we if this religious tourism is open to all, as it would have to be. So, are we really ready for this after all?
:angel: :angel: :angel:

and what about the ones that do masss suicides!?

Originally posted by Rory
and what about the ones that do masss suicides!?

Good point Rory :D

Right you are ! As good as Religious tourism might be it is fraught with "dangers!" Are we ready for them? Rory, Delroy, you seem to be saying no. Am I correct?

I am not saying no to it.
Every decision made has to have restrictions applied to it.
Allot of thought has to be placed into something like this as simple as it sounds.

Another thing is I don't think that making a profit should be our goal when inviting believers to our Country. Calling it ''Religious Tourism'' makes me think that it is a Business Venture and not a Godly Venture. :rolleyes:

So Religious Tourism.. uhm

Having been in the tourism for a number of years let me weigh in on this one.

First, religious tourism is not really the brain child of Neil Ellis he just coined the phrase, and since the new government needed to have some platform on which to begin their own "tourism plan" they took on this maket segmentation (as can be found in other areas of the tourism industry - i.e Diving, weddings, golf etc).

Now here is where the "rubber meets the raod" It's all well and good to say that you are encouraging "Religious Tourism" but it is unlike the other segments that actually MAKE money. The other market segments which i have mentioned before cross all divides of the "Human" sepctrum. Everyone (even gay people) want to get married... and do so in The Bahamas. Everyone has hobbies (ie diving etc) and the Bahamas is the perfect place to excercise just about any outdoor activity.

Religious tourism on the other is VERY segmented. While Mr. Ellis and others go around touting how much "money" it brings in - that is nonsense. It does not and what little it does, does not float down to the ordinary bahamian. Anyone who has ever dealt with any of these groups (as with any big convenation) ends up "giving" more than they are getting - and by that I mean customs exeptions on material, room rates cut, receptions hosted by the goverment etc. NO hotel.... and I mean NO hotel in this country "goes after this market"... it is a waste of precious promtional resources. It pays to "fish" where the "fish" are... unfortunately its not among the once a year Full Gospel convenations, nor religious retreats, nor any such thing. Religious tourism... sounds good, makes us feel good, gives us a good image.. makes no business sense. And until we realise that we are in a business we'll fail ......

You throw a whole new light on the subject.
Thanks.

I am a student in Jamaica and I just came upon this site. I must say that I am extremely impressed and very much like what I see. The topic of Religious Tourism has been one of great concern for me too.
After reading all the postings you have all shed some light on the matter. I am asking the permission of all who made comments to use your comments in a discussion I will be conducting at school.
Thanks in advance for your approval.

Religous tourism as a market is certainly a new angle to pursue, but I do have to take issue with comments along the line of:

and what about the ones that do masss suicides!?

Caricatured analysis like that will get us absolutely nowhere as the community of people ostensibly welcoming these visitors. Taken at an extreme, how do you think outsiders characterize the weekly communion enjoyed by Catholics and Protestants alike?

To an ignorant bystander, they'd be witnessing a bunch of cannibals literally celebrating the consumption of some guy's body and blood. That could be taken out of context, too :driving: ...

I am a student in Jamaica and I just came upon this site. I must say that I am extremely impressed and very much like what I see. The topic of Religious Tourism has been one of great concern for me too.
After reading all the postings you have all shed some light on the matter. I am asking the permission of all who made comments to use your comments in a discussion I will be conducting at school.
Thanks in advance for your approval.



Welcome to Bahamasissues Godpickney! Glad you found the discussions useful. :)