Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Bahamas to Host Major Caribbean State of Tourism Conference
#Nassau, September 11, 2018 – Bahamas – Tourism Ministers, industry officials and public/private sector stakeholders from throughout the 
Caribbean will gather in New Providence October 1-5 (2018) for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), scheduled for Atlantis, Paradise Island.
Business meetings will take place October 1-2 with the Conference scheduled to be held October 3-5. The CTO is the region’s tourism development agency with 28 member countries and territories and a myriad of private sector allied members. Its vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable year-round, warm-weather destination globally.
Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, said hosting the conference is a worthwhile, important and invaluable investment for The Bahamas.
“The media coverage will be priceless (an estimated 30 regional and international media will be in town to provide coverage of the event), the lessons we learn will be priceless; the business it brings, will be welcomed,” Minister D’Aguilar added.
Minister D’Aguilar, said the SOTIC affords regional hospitality and tourism professionals the opportunity to not only assess the region’s tourism “situation,” but to also share new trends and best practices that can help devise new ways to improve the industry, while making it more sustainable and inclusive.
Mr. D’Aguilar said the conference also provides industry officials with the opportunity to “explore concepts and models to expand beyond traditional tourism boundaries into entirely new frontiers.”
“SOTIC is all about winning strategies, no matter how tourism touches you. Not only is SOTIC the preeminent educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals, it is far and away the most important event on the Caribbean’s tourism calendar. This event is where we assess our situation, share the trends and best practices, learn from the experiences of others, and use all of this information to devise ways to improve the industry, make it more sustainable and inclusive.
“This is the event that brings together more tourism ministers, directors, executives, strategic partners, tourism business executives and everyone involved directly or indirectly in tourism for business opportunities.”
Minister D’Aguilar said “there is something to be gained” for Bahamians who attend “this extraordinary conference.”
“This is an invitation for all of The Bahamas to attend this extraordinary conference. Students, bankers, taxi drivers, hotel executives, hotel workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, shopkeepers, vendors – whatever you do, there is something for you to gain from attending SOTIC.” Persons interested in attending can register online by visiting sotic.onecaribbean.org.
Caribbean Tourism officials said, the SOTIC has evolved into what is the most important tourism conference in the Caribbean.
“It brings out a tremendous amount of networking and opportunities,” said Mr. Johnson JohnRose, Communications Specialist, Caribbean Tourism Organization. “It brings people together to help better understand the destination, to help promote the destination as much as possible 
and of course, people attending the conference would have patronized the destination. So SOTIC is this whole encompassing event for Caribbean Tourism from which people come out with tremendous ideas.”
Mr. JohnRose said one of the critical areas to be addressed during the 2018 SOTIC is the use of technology and its impacts on tourism.
“How do you use the technology to improve the customer experience? That is critical because we are coming out of a period where we have had the massive storms. The conference’s theme wasn’t selected by accident. It is coming out of last year, but looking forward to the future. What did we learn from last year and how to improve on everything – from the structural product, the experience and all of that and how best to do it. This is what we expect from the conference.”
Each day of the three days of conference will focus on a particular area of the theme: Day One (Rejuvenate); Day Two (Recreate); and Day Three (Reconnect).
By Matt Maura
Released: BIS
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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