CNN Blasted for Awarding Hilton in Bimini Development

(Dive Travel Business News - November 17, 2008) - Travel Mole.com - Tourism Concern has slammed CNBC International Property Awards for awarding what they call a “socially and environmentally destructive tourism development” two prestigious prizes. 

Says Tourism Concern: “Bimini Bay Resort, Bahamas, is threatening the livelihoods of local communities and has had a devastating impact on the island’s fragile marine ecosystem. The resort restricts people’s access to their land and marine resources. Coastal land has been carved up, the seafloor dredged and lagoons filled with silt to make way for luxury condominiums, a casino and ‘mega-yacht’ marina. The siltation of important breeding grounds has caused fish and conch numbers, which are harvested by local fishermen, to plummet.” 

Tricia Barnett said: “Regrettably, winning these awards will provide an unwarranted feather in the cap of a tourism development that has caused irreversible damage to the lives of local people and the environment, and one which they will no doubt be used to market Bimini Bay Resort in a positive light to tourists”.

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