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What’s new in the Bahamas for October

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As Grand Bahama Island and The Abacos continue to recover from Hurricane Dorian, the 14 unaffected Islands Of The Bahamas aren’t slowing down. With new airlift from Boston and Canada, new on-island experiences and development projects in the works, The Bahamas are ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Additionally, WhereverFamily recently recognized The Islands as the Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island, giving travelers even more incentive to book their Bahamian getaway now.

NEWS


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International Arrivals See a Steady Climb – International arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 13.2% in August. The forward booking situation for the next three months shows bookings ahead by 1.0%, with October showing 3.2% ahead. Air capacity increased by 17.2% in August, with a growth of 12.6% in the U.S. The post-Hurricane Dorian booking pace will be made available next month.

The Bahamas Brings Home Gold in the 2019 WhereverAwards – For the second consecutive year, readers of WhereverFamily have voted The Bahamas the Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island in the publication’s 2019 WhereverAwards. Bahamas resort, Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, also won the Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel and Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club categories.

$100M Cruise Port Coming to Freeport – The Bahamas signed two agreements with Carnival Corporation for a $100M cruise port development in Freeport and an $80M expansion of Half Moon Cay. The agreement comes after Hurricane Dorian and will aid the island’s restoration and recovery.

Increased International Airlift to Nassau – Air Canada has increased its airlift from Montreal to Nassau beginning December 20, 2019. The non-stop service will increase operations from twice a week to four times a week. Starting December 21, 2019, new daily nonstop Delta flights will operate from Boston’s Logan Airport to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport. Flights will run through April 30, 2020.

Airbnb Experiences Expand in The Bahamas – The home-sharing platform is expanding Airbnb Experiences in The Bahamas. Visitors, led by local experts, can get an inside look into The Bahamas’ hidden gems, traditions, history and culture. From exploring blue holes to learning about the importance of Junkanoo, Airbnb is helping visitors discover why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

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

Come and Enjoy the View of Long Island – Explore the Out Island with Bahamasair for as low as $381 per person. Three days and 2 nights airfare and hotel included.

Exuma Marathon 2019 at Grand Isle Resort – Stay at Grand Isle Resort for the Exuma Marathon on November 9, 2019 and save up to 35% on your reservation.

Heartbeat at Harbour Island – Celebrate Valentine’s Day all year round at Valentines Residences Resort & Marina with a luxury one-bedroom suite, daily breakfast in the restaurant and dinner for two, with a bottle of wine.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

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

The P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship (November 8 – November 10) – Atlantis, Paradise Island will play host to professional watercraft competitors, representing 12 countries for the P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championships. Additional festivities will include a nearby Race Village with live music, local bands, food and activities for all ages. Tickets can be purchased at www.atlantisbahamas.com/p1-aquax.

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Bahamas Hoopfest (November 27 – November 30) – In partnership with International Youth Education & Sports Foundation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation will be hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Thanksgiving Classic in Nassau this year. This will be the first women’s basketball event of its kind to be hosted in The Bahamas. View fan packages here.

The Jonas Brothers at Atlantis (December 30) – GRAMMY-nominated band, the Jonas Brothers, will perform at Atlantis, Paradise Island on December 30, 2019. The performance is a part of the resort’s acclaimed entertainment series Atlantis LIVE. This will be the multiplatinum trio’s fifth time performing for Atlantis LIVE and 10 years since their last Atlantis performance. Tickets are available for purchase at jonasbrothersatlantis.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. It’s also easy to get to The Bahamas from Canada by traveling on Air Canada or Westjet. 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 Seychelles Islands’ stand highly appreciated during the consular celebrations in Lyon

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The 18th edition of “les fêtes consulaires” were held between September 14 and 15, 2019 in Lyon, the second largest city in France. Les Fêtes Consulaires is a friendly gathering for different consulates based in Lyon, where they can promote their respective countries to the 23,000 visitors who attend the event.

Amongst the 50 consulates present was the newly re-opened Consulate of Republic of Seychelles represented by Mrs. Virginie Mathieu, the new appointed honorary Consul for Seychelles in the region Auvergne Rhône Alpes.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Office in Paris represented by STB marketing executive, Ms. Valerie Payet, had the honour to be present alongside Mrs. Mathieu to showcase Seychelles as a must-visit destination.

The Seychelles corner displayed some of the islands most distinguished features, namely the tropical forests filled with a vast variety of flora and fauna, as well as the prominent beaches.

Over the two days of festivities, the Seychelles consulate’s stand attracted individuals of all ages with its vibrant presentations of the Seychelles Islands. Ms. Payet present on site had the opportunity to interact with numerous visitors to promote the destination and its several wonders.

Together with the Consulate and the STB team in Paris, Club Med representatives was also present at the event and took the opportunity to promote their upcoming property in Seychelles, a five Trident Exclusive Collection Resort on Sainte Anne Island, set to open its doors in 2020.

During the official opening of the village, the STB team was honored by the presence of Mr. Gérard Collomb, Mayor of Lyon.

Visitors of the Seychelles stand included His Excellency Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Seychelles Ambassador in France, Mr. Ralph Agrippine, Minister’s Advisor at the embassy and Mr. Jean-François Noaro, Honorary Consul for Seychelles in Monaco.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

The Seychelles Islands celebrate the annual “Endless Summer” roadshow in CIS region

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The Seychelles Tourism Board appeared in full flare for the third edition of its annual “Endless Summer with The Seychelles Islands” events, which took place in Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Kiev (Ukraine) in August 2019.

The events featured interaction with key partners from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region and presentations of the destination and its partners.

The “Endless Summer” roadshow seized the city of Astana on August 26, 2019 and saw the presence of 45 companies. The events included a tropical breakfast, a presentation of the Seychelles Islands in the luxurious UNO restaurant, followed by a B2B workshop.

At the next stop, Almaty, participants had an opportunity to partake in a workshop with one-one meetings followed by a networking cocktail reception, which took place in “Afisha”, a popular restaurant that was transformed into an exotic paradise, invoking the Seychelles atmosphere.

The following day, the STB team engaged with trade partners during the summer open-air festival in the Garden of VDNH Park, in Kiev, Ukraine, where the participation of 75 agents were recorded.

Taking place in a vintage orangery, the core elements of Seychelles flora blended with the rustic elements of the retro festival, namely its food trucks, scattered beanbags and fairy lights, creating a mesmerising backdrop.

The workshop and teasers were presented inside the orangery and was followed by open-air festival with lounge zones, picnic style tables and sun lounges.

The food stalls also contributed to the Seychelles Islands atmosphere with grill fish, seafood finger food, coconut ice cream, tropical smoothies and lemonades.

These successful events gave the STB team the opportunity to provide the perfect platform for local tour operators to meet the partners from Seychelles, to broaden their knowledge about the destination and discuss prospective collaboration opportunities.

This year in Astana & Almaty we saw participation from 7° South, Pure Escapes, Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles & Coral Strand Seychelles, Fregate Island Private, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai. Participants in Kiev included, 7° South, Pure Escapes, Fregate Island Private and Turkish Airlines.

“We are very happy to get such an opportunity to share a part of Seychelles with our dear partners from the CIS region. This region has great potential for Seychelles and our presence continues on such events with the support of the local partners will only help to penetrate the region even further” said the STB representative in Russia and CIS, Ms Olga Demina. “Year after year we record a positive growth from these important markets as Kazakhstan and Ukraine and hope that the interest in Seychelles will only keep growing”.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

“Fall” in Love with Malta and The Exciting Festivals and Events

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Why Malta in the Fall? In addition to the beautiful weather, azure waters, and being less crowded in the off season, Malta offers a diverse range of festivals and events that celebrate their friendly, historic, and vibrant culture. Witness the Valletta cityscape lit up during the annual Notte Bianca, admire the timeless vintage cars at the Malta Classic, and be a spectator at the world famous Rolex Middle Sea Race, a yacht race which starts and finishes in the historic Grand Harbour of Valletta.

Highlights of Malta’s Fall Calendar 2019:

40th Rolex Middle Sea Race  – October 19-26, 2019

Offshore Yacht Racing Event Starting & Finishing in the Historic Grand Harbour in Valletta. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is once again proving to have magnetic appeal, with 58 yachts from 17 countries so far registered for the 2019 race. The Rolex Middle Sea Race, celebrating its 40th edition this year, is one of offshore yacht racing top 3 events alongside the Rolex Fastnet and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart races.  This race starts and finishes in the dramatic Grand Harbour of Malta, a sun baked Mediterranean Island with strong British links and loads of history. Flights via EasyJet and Air Malta serve the island from major European airports and internal travel is easy by taxi.

Notte Bianca – October 5, 2019

Spectacular Celebration Lights up the Valletta Cityscape Every October

Notte Bianca is Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festival. One night every October, Notte Bianca lights up the Valletta cityscape with a spectacular celebration that is open to the public free of charge. Festival-goers can expect to experience the very best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary events, as well as an exploration into the emerging world of new and digital arts. State palaces and museums open their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances. All of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, comes alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

Birgufest – October 11-13, 2019

Celebrate One of Malta’s Oldest and Most Historic Sites: Birgu

Birgufest 2019 is a celebration of culture and art, which will be taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities. The city is set adjacent to the majestic Grand Harbour and is considered by many as one of the most spectacular and picturesque locations on the island. What started off as a few small events has now developed into a larger program spanning over a whole weekend. Visitors can now enjoy different experiences such as, historical reenactments and dinner by candlelight in the beautiful town square. All the streets and houses are lit up with candles, chandeliers hang in the streets, and music ruminates throughout the winding pathways. 

Malta Classic 2019 – October 10-13, 2019

Malta Classic welcomes car enthusiasts, visitors and families to the historic island of Malta to discover some of the world’s most elegant and sought-after classic cars

Malta Classic 2019 will take place over four-days comprising three exhilarating events: the Malta Classic Hill Climb, the Malta Classic Concours d’Elegance by Mdina Glass, and the Malta Classic Grand Prix. 

Traditions: Wine, Olive Oil & Honey 2019 – September 21, 2019

Wine, olive oil, beehives and honey wax displays – all the ingredients needed for a delectable evening

Back for a third year, this evening event will offer visitors to the village, a roasted pig, other local foods, wine, and honey tasting activities, olive oil delicacies including a chance to try olive oil flavored ice cream, as well as the very popular traditional sweet honey pastries.

Festival Mediterranea 2019 – October 19-November 30, 2019 

Immerse in the Culture and Arts of the Idyllic Island of Gozo

Festival Mediterranea is an annual celebration of culture let off at the very heart of the Mediterranean, on the history-laden island of Gozo. Organized by Teatru Astra, the festival uncovers the island in all its cultural and artistic aspects. Festival Mediterranea offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena. The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the spectacular presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore, with a double representation on the 24th and 26th October 2019. Other events feature classical and symphonic music and vocal recitals. The festival offers a program of events that even cover the wealth of archaeology and history that forms Gozo’s heritage. And the backdrop to this is Gozo’s sheer, natural beauty in warm autumn. 

Pride Week 2019 – September 6 & 15, 2019

Celebrate Pride in the No. 1 European LGBTQ travel destination   

Malta has been awarded an outstanding 90% in recognition of the laws, policies and lifestyles of the LGBTQ community out of a total of 49 European Countries. With over 15 events planned in every category including fashion, art, film and sports, LGBTQ travelers will be sure to have an amazing time.

Go Sport Attard 5K  – September 15, 2019

The Malta Marathon Organizing Committee and the Ħ’Attard Local Council will be organizing the ‘Go Sport Attard 5k.’

ŻEJT IŻ-ŻEJTUN 2019 – September 29, 2019

Join the city of Żejtun as they celebrate the start of the olive-picking season and pressing of oil through this annual festival

The focal point of the festivity is the blessing of olives carted or carried by local farmers, followed by pressing and free tasting of Maltese ftajjar dressed in freshly pressed olive oil.

Kite and Wind Festival – October 18- 20, 2019

Reach out for the sky, as kites of all shapes and sizes surf on favorable winds

The festival will be led by traditional and professional kite masters. The Gozo International Kite Festival is a unique event, promising high-flying fun for children and adults.

Halloween at Valletta Waterfront – October 26, 27, & 31, 2019

Tricks and Treats Guaranteed at the Valletta Waterfront this Halloween

Spooky maritime fun is expected for Halloween. The little ones will have the opportunity for trick and treating amidst the spooky décor and roaming children’s animation.

See the full calendar 2019 Maltese events and festivals here.

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@brafordglobalmarketing.com

Gabriela Reyes

Public Relations Coordinator 

The Bradford Group

347 Fifth Ave. Suite 1205

New York, New York 10016

T (212) 447-0027

F (212) 725-8253

gabrielar@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Seychelles titled Number 1 island destination in Africa & Middle East by Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Award

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Seychelles has been named the top island destination in Africa & the Middle East.  It is the third time that Seychelles is rated in the top spot in this category by Travel + Leisure.

The exotic destination’s nomination results from the annual survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, which allows readers of the New York-based travel magazine to rate their travel experiences around the globe. Readers get to share their opinions on top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, among others.

The best islands by region are rated on a number of characteristics including the destination’s natural attractions, beaches, activities & sights, restaurants, food, people & friendliness and value. The destination’s romantic appeal also features as an optional criterion. For each characteristic, respondents are asked to give a rating based on a five-point scale of excellence.

Boasting lush tropical vegetation, powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, Seychelles – a 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean came out on top of the readers’ list when it comes to the Africa & Middle East region.

It is during a cocktail event at the Times Square Edition in New York City on Tuesday July 16, 2019 that Seychelles was revealed as No1 island Destination in Africa & Middle East.

Mr. David Di Gregorio, Executive Board Member of (APTA) Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, of which Seychelles is a member, received the Award on behalf of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief and Jay Meyer the SVP/ Publisher presented the recognition to the destination to Mr. Di Gregorio.

Commenting on the award, the STB Regional Director for Africa & the Americas, Mr. David Germain stated that the prestigious title results from continuous collective efforts between the Seychelles authorities, including the STB and all its stakeholders.

“Achieving the distinction of Top Island in Africa and the Middle East for the third time is a tremendous honor for the Seychelles, recognizing that the region has much to offer in terms of world-class island experiences,” Mr. Germain.

Mr. Germain also pointed out that the STB’s maintains the hard work to maintain solid trade relations with the USA and Canadian outbound tour operators, travel agents and other trade partners in North America. He said that winning the award for a third time, is evidence that the STB’s marketing strategy in North America is working.

“The Award helps to garner recognition and provides a significant amount of visibility for our islands in North America and the region. The STB will continue to share and present the culture and tourism attributes of Seychelles to both the trade and consumers in the various North American cities, with the aim of increasing tourist’s arrival to Seychelles from this part of the world,” said Mr. Germain.

According to latest figures, the North American market has shown an increase by 8 percent from January to May 2019 in tourism arrivals in the Seychelles.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel