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Grand Bahama Island Bounces Back as a Popular Destination for Divers

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Grand Bahama Island is reporting a renewed interest in its dive offerings since October last year and is inviting visitors with a passion for diving to come and explore its great reefs and wrecks.

Ian Rolle, Acting Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB), reports that the island and its reefs fared well during Hurricane Dorian. “Three weeks after the hurricane, a crew from UNEXSO, our leading underwater experts, went on an exploratory dive of the reefs stretching along the south shore of the island, from the Grand Lucayan Water Way all the way to Silver Point Reef. At that time, it was discovered that all the reef structures were in standing positions and the wrecks were in the same location and status as before the storm,” noted Rolle.

Six weeks after the storm, the visibility gained its usual clarity at an average of 80ft on all the dive sites. Once the visibility cleared to the usual level, a second assessment was completed to verify that no damages had been conducted by the sediments stirred by the storm.

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The reefs were found to be clear and thriving. Soft and hard corals were still attached in their original locations and no heads had been overturned or broken. Sand had settled everywhere, and life has resumed as usual.  Schools of fish now roam the different sites and the wrecks of Sini’s and Sea Star. The sites of Plate Reef, Little Hale’s Lair, Gail’s Grotto, Caves, Moray Manor I and II have shown no effects from the storm.  This also holds true for the medium sites of Picasso’s Gallery, Papa Doc, Shark Junction and Chamber.  

Snorkeling and scuba diving in the shallow reef have resumed and guests continue to enjoy the clear waters and marvel at the healthy reef life. Sharks and familiar local marine life that the operators are used to seeing on their dives, all seem to have survived both the storm and the ensuing months without any issues; populations are present and healthy, with numbers at their usual level.

According to the Board Chair, it’s very encouraging to see dive operations picking up again, and strong interest in our product.  “We recognize that healthy reefs are a precious resource and a wonderful attraction for dive enthusiasts. Dive tourism contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the regional economy each year and our hope is that we can increase our earnings this year,” stated Rolle.

As one of the region’s top scuba diving destinations, Grand Bahama Island has the perfect combination: great dive shops with instructors, guides and educational facilities such as UNEXSO; great hotels including the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Lighthouse Pointe, Taino Beach Resort & Clubs and Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina (opening March 30, 2020); and great local bar and restaurants such as the Sea Grape  Grill.  Other world-class restaurants compliment Grand Bahama’s dining offerings, such as The Stoned Crab, Sabor, Taino by the Sea, Flying Fish Gastro Bar, and for a real local flair – Out Da Sea Bar & Grill.

Book your dive travel now at www.unexso.com and take advantage of current deals available at www.grandbahamavacations.com

About Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board

The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB) is the private sector marketing and promotion agency for Grand Bahama Island.  The GBITB is mandated to support economic growth for tourism stakeholders on Grand Bahama Island. 

Activities include the development and execution of various marketing and promotional initiatives designed to enhance and increase Grand Bahama Island’s awareness and profile in the market.  The Board’s membership includes a wide range of tourism related businesses including the accommodation sector, restaurants, bars, attractions, transportation providers, artisans and retailers.

MEDIA CONTACT: Carmel Churchill, President of Doncar Hospitality Management Services Limited, Sales & Marketing Consultant for the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, T: 242-727-9002, E: carmel@doncarmanagement.com

What’s New in the Islands of The Bahamas This February

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The Islands Of The Bahamas have much to celebrate in February. From the record-breaking seven million travelers who visited the islands in 2019 to the launch of The Bahamas Sabbatical in partnership with Airbnb, The Bahamas is gearing up for another busy season. Grand Bahama Island and The Abacos continue to move forward in their recovery efforts following Hurricane Dorian. Fan favorite Lucayan National Park reopened at the end of January and The Abacos welcomed a number of re-openings and are ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

NEWS

The Bahamas’ Historic Year – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has exceeded a record-breaking seven million visitors in 2019. The Ministry attributes this historic success to data-driven, agile marketing, authentic storytelling, and aggressive PR, sales and airlift strategies. While the impacts of Hurricane Dorian are still felt, the hard work and dedication of Ministry partners have ensured that The Bahamas is still rockin’.

The Bahamas and Airbnb Launch Sabbatical Program – The Bahamas and Airbnb are encouraging people to apply to a new sabbatical program by February 18 to spend eight weeks immersing themselves in the Bahamian way of life. The winners will spend their time helping restore coral reefs in Andros, supporting ethical fishing in Exuma and promoting traditional agriculture in Eleuthera. The Bahamas Sabbatical was designed to directly benefit local communities while supporting efforts toward a sustainable future.

The Abacos on the Road to Recovery – Just four months after Hurricane Dorian left a devastating impact on the northern islands in The Bahamas, The Abacos are already rebounding in a major way. Many hotels, ferry services, airlines, tour operators and attractions resumed business in the The Abacos. While Marsh Harbour, Central and Northern Abaco and several cays throughout the destination are in the midst of rebuilding, several businesses are already welcoming guests with open arms.

Lucayan National Park Reopens – The major tourist attraction on Grand Bahama Island has officially reopened after a temporary closure following Hurricane Dorian. Lucayan National Park saw some slight changes but the park’s cave infrastructure and mangrove system as well as the breathtaking Gold Rock Beach are untouched and ready to be explored.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.  

Valentines Resort Island Hopping Offer –Pre-book an air/ferry-inclusive vacation package for four to six consecutive nights at Valentines Resort & Marina and receive a $75 inbound and outbound flight credit. Offer is valid for flights originating and ending in Nassau or Freeport.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and happenings in The Bahamas: www.bahamas.com/events

Ride & Run For Hope Bahamas (March 14) – Discover the beauty that is Eleuthera by foot or bike with Ride & Run For Hope Bahamas. On March 14, 2020, cyclists can take on distances from 10 to 100 miles while runners can challenge themselves on 5K to full-marathon races to support the Treatment Assistance Fun and Family Island Mammogram Screenings.

Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival (April 30 – May 3) – Baha Mar’s inaugural Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival in collaboration with Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure will showcase world-renowned chefs, master sommeliers and respected artists and offer festival guests the opportunity to savor an unforgettable culinary experience.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 15 of the 16 unique island destinations currently open for business, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands Of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

bahamas@webershandwick.com  

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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