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Love is in the air on Grand Bahama Island

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Grand Bahama Island welcomed its first international destination wedding since Hurricane Dorian this past weekend.

Fay Rickhuss and Thomas Doyle from England were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Grand Lucayan Lighthouse Pointe Gazebo on November 9, followed by a reception on Spanish Main. The wedding group included some 28 guests, friends and family who accompanied the couple from England.

The bride and groom were determined to be married on Grand Bahama island, as the bride’s father had been treated at the Immunology Center some years ago. When their flights were cancelled, they opted to arrive on Balearia Caribbean Cruise Line.

The couple also started a hurricane fund for the island.

“We are thrilled that Fay and Tom chose to celebrate their vows here on Grand Bahama Island, and we wish them a long and happy life together,” said Ian Rolle, Acting Chairman, the GBITB’s Board of Directors. “This is a wonderful vote of confidence in our island, and we are grateful for their support.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Carmel Churchill 

T: 242-727-9002

E: [email protected]

President of Doncar Hospitality Management Services Limited 

Sales & Marketing Consultant for the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history!

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation delegates lead by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, as well as numerous industry partners took media outlets and tour operators in Canada on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of the Bahamas, solidifying the messaging of the Bahamas being a viable destination for the Canadian tourists, despite the impact of Hurricane Dorian. “Following Hurricane Dorian, we felt that it was absolutely critical to come and let the Canadian market know that we are open for business and to introduce The Bahamas to new aspects of the Canadian market,” remarked Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, “as far west as Vancouver, there is huge potential to market the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Canada is the second largest country in the world and the second largest source market for visitor arrivals to The Bahamas next to the United States. Throughout the first seven months of 2019 an estimated 3.7 million Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America representing a YOY increase of 4.3%. Canadian visitor arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 14% YOY in 2017-2018. During the months of January through September, Canadian arrivals paced 10.5% ahead of the same in 2018. “The tourism industry had an historic year in 2018 and has maintained momentum right up to Dorian’s arrival. International arrivals to the Bahamas increased by just over 13% in August, including 2.1% growth from Canada. Air capacity from Canada was up 7% and fall bookings were looking strong,” remarked D’Aguilar, “it’s not business as usual in the Bahamas- that will be years away but this is a major step to be present in the Canadian market to regain momentum.”

Joining this promotional expedition with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation included Fred Lounsberry, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar, Ana Cerna, Director of International Marketing for Rosewood Baha Mar, Bryan Gay Sr. Vice President of Sales at Atlantis Paradise Island, Sydney Engel, Director of Public Relations for Atlantis Paradise Island, Amy Mecl, Vice President Leisure Sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, Franco Pill Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Paradise Island, Yasmine Strachan Director of Sales, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Sobieda Feliz, Director of Sales Warwick Paradise Island, Phillippe Gringas, Associate Director of Sales, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Lilly Carr, Leisure Sales Manager, Rosewood Baha Mar, Cristina Diaz, Leisure Sales Manager, Melia, James Burrows, Group Sales Manager, SLS Baha Mar, Robert Garzaroli, Principle, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Elaine and Brent Carnegie, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Regia Knowles, Director of Operations Sunrise Beach Club, Hedda Smith, Sales Manager, Superclub Breezes, L’Oreal Sweeting, Out Islands Promotion Board, Jeff Todd, Communications Manager, Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Barbara Dirnberger, National Sales Manager, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, Carmel Churchill, Sales Manager, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Barbara Spychalla, Operations Manager, Valentines Resort & Marina, William Saunders Jr. Director, Majestic Tours Bahamas, Juan Moss, CEO Leisure Travel and Tours, Michael Symonette, CEO, Bahamas Experience Tours, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sales Manager Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Craig Thomas Director of Sales and Marketing, Margaritaville Bahamas, Donne Nixon, Business Development Manager Sandals Resorts, Krista Cardona Sales Manager, Air Canada Vacations, Emily Spadafora, Andrei Losinski and Christopher Brothers, Sales Managers WestJet Vacations, Lorraine Brisbois corporate manager, Sunwing Vacations and Nancy Drolet Business Development Manager, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Ministry of Tourism officials are hopeful that the media blitz will strengthen sales efforts and add an intimate appeal to the Canadian tourist to visit the Bahamas. “We’ve had a record-breaking year with the Canadian market, and we are looking to continue that trend.” stated Jibrilu.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rissie Demeritte

[email protected]
Senior Manager, Domestic Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

The Islands of The Bahamas State of the Business Tourism Update

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What’s Open, What’s Rebuilding and What’s Recovering Across The Bahamas

More than a month has passed since Hurricane Dorian made landfall on two northern islands of The Bahamas. Already, Grand Bahama Island is rebounding with many of its hotels and attractions reopened and plans for its airport to resume international service soon. While The Abacos face a longer road to recovery, the country remains resilient and steadfast in its commitment to help the island rebuild by maintaining a healthy flow of tourism – which accounts for half of the country’s GDP – to the islands that were not affected by the storm. 

Open for Business

Nassau and Paradise Island

This pair of islands which are home to the country’s most extensive array of resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators, were not affected by Hurricane Dorian and are operating normally.  With seasonal hotel incentives and increased airlift, it is easier than ever for travelers to visit this year.

The Out Islands

With the exception of The Abacos, the Out Islands are open and operating as usual. Some resorts and lodges take a fall hiatus for annual leave or renewal projects, but there are many options for accommodations. Airports, government ports and marinas are open across the islands.

Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama Island is back to business welcoming travelers at its cruise port, and soon to welcome international travelers when the airport reopens next month. Ferries and cruise lines, including Balearia, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, are already bringing travelers to Freeport to experience a number of excursions and sites that have reopened. The airport is operating domestic flights via temporary facilities and will welcome its first international flight on November 15. Numerous hotels and resorts are already open or expected to re-open within weeks.

Recovering and Rebuilding

The Abacos

Abaco has the longest road to recovery with virtually no viable options for leisure tourism in the near future.  The current focus is on re-opening local government complexes and restoring basic services to facilitate rebuilding.

Response to Hurricane Dorian

As the capital of The Bahamas and the home of the country’s government, Nassau is also a central hub for the Hurricane Dorian recovery process. Persons that have been displaced by the storm are being accommodated on the island, with the most recent information from The Bahamas National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) indicating that 895 individuals are being housed across six shelters.

How to Help

One of the best things people can do to help, now more than ever is to visit. The Bahamas is open for business and still delivering the tropical getaway the country is known for. In addition to planning a trip to The Bahamas, those who wish to contribute can find a list of The Bahamas’ verified partners at bahamas.com/relief.

For more news about The Bahamas, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

[email protected]  

Hurricane Dorian and The Islands of the Bahamas

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Bahamian officials continue to assess the damage in The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island, the two islands in the Northwest Bahamas that were devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Relief teams are currently deployed and are providing assistance to those in need.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (BMOTA) urges travelers to consider keeping and pursuing their vacations to the islands that were not affected and remain open. In the Northwest Bahamas, these include the Bahamas capital of Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island, as well as Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros, Bimini and The Berry Islands. The Islands in the Southeastern and Central Bahamas remain unaffected, including The Exumas, Cat Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Mayaguana and Inagua.

“While we are still processing the impact that Hurricane Dorian has had on our country, we must stay strong for our friends, loved ones and neighbors on Grand Bahama Island and The Abacos,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Deputy Director-General, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson. “We appreciate the outpouring of support from citizens around the world and we ask that you continue to donate, continue to send prayers and continue to visit Nassau, Paradise Island and the Out Islands that were not affected.”

The following is a status update on airports, hotels, airlines and cruise schedules at this time. This is not a comprehensive list and visitors are strongly advised to check directly with airlines, hotels and cruise lines regarding possible impacts to travel plans.

AIRPORTS

  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau remains open with flights from international gateways back on schedule.
  • Airports in Exuma are open with regular non-stop flights from major gateways.
  • South Bimini Airport (BIM) is open.
  • North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) is open.
  • Stella Maris Airport (SML) and Deadman’s Cay Airport (LGI) in Long Island remain open.
  • Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) and Leonard Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour, Abaco will remain closed until further notice.

HOTELS

  • Hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island remain open.
  • Many hotels and resorts in the Out Islands regularly close during the fall months and reopen beginning October.
  • Hotels in Grand Bahama Island and The Abacos will remain closed until further notice.

FERRY, CRUISE AND PORTS

  • Nassau ports are open and cruises are arriving daily.
  • Bahamas Ferries has resumed sailings, but passengers should check in with reservations for further information and updated schedules by calling 242-323-2166.
  • Bahamas Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration’s regularly scheduled sailing for September 5 remains cancelled, however the cruise line is offering a free sailing to Grand Bahama Island today for passengers seeking to ship goods, first aid and charities seeking to provide relief. The ship departs at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 800-374-4363.
  • Balearia Caribbean sailings will resume Friday, September 6. Sailings to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island are open to Bahamian residents only. For more information, please contact 866-699-6988.
  • The Port in Grand Bahama Island is open at this time, however, ports in The Abacos remain closed until further notice.

Many Hurricane Dorian Bahamas relief efforts are underway. For information on how to help, go to www.bahamas.com/relief.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannie Gibson, Manager, Global Communications, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Suite 450, 1200 South Pine Island Rd., Plantation, Florida, 33324, US, Phone:+1-954-236-9292, Fax:+1-954-236-9282

Norwegian Sun returns to Port Canaveral  for second year of Cuba cruises

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Sun returns to Port Canaveral today for a second season of popular cruises from the Port to Cuba, as well as excursions to the Bahamas.

Starting Monday, April 15, the Norwegian Sun, which in 2018 became the first homeported cruise ship to sail from Port Canaveral to Cuba, will offer four-, five- and seven-day cruises to Havana, Cuba, with select sailings also calling to Key West during its four-day cruises. Ports of call during the Sun’s five- and seven-day voyages include Key West, Nassau, Bahamas, or Norwegian’s private island beach at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

“We are excited that the Norwegian Sun is returning for another season of cruises to Cuba,” Port CEO Capt. John Murray stated. “More than 30,000 guests sailed on cruises from the Port to Havana last year, and we’re pleased to be hosting more sailing opportunities this summer season.”

The 1,936-guest vessel will kick off its summer sailing season this afternoon with a three-night voyage to Key West and Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas.

For its four-night Cuba cruises, the Sun will depart the Port each Monday during the summer sailing season and return each Friday. Three-night cruises to the Bahamas sail on Fridays and return on Mondays.

In Cuba, the Sun will berth in Havana Harbor in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can experience the culture and history of Cuba with OFAC (U.S.Treasury Office of Foreign Assets)-compliant shore excursions.

Built in 2001, the 78,309 gross-ton Sun underwent an extensive three-week dry-dock refurbishment in May 2018, emerging with updated staterooms, restaurants and public spaces, as well as three new venues – Los Lobos Cantina, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge. The cruise ship offers 14 dining options, bars and lounges, onboard shopping, the Mandara Spa, the Sun Club Casino and entertainment. All guests sailing aboard the Norwegian Sun’s Cuba or Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral can enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages included in their cruise fare as a part of the ship’s all-inclusive program.

The Sun, which was homeported at Port from 2010 to 2012, will be berthed at Cruise Terminal 10 as it was in 2018. CT-10 recently received more than $35 million in renovations.

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