Bahamas News
‘Complete and diverse growth’ led to Bahamas earning double awards
#Nassau, February 27, 2019 – Bahamas – The Bahamas’ “very impressive double-digit growth” in stopover arrivals across the destination, including the Family Islands, was a decisive factor in the country earning the Caribbean Journal’s ‘Tourism Destination of the Year’ designation.
Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar also earned the Journal’s ‘Tourism Minister of the Year’ designation “for shepherding this very complete and diverse growth this year.”
Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Caribbean Journal said The Bahamas’ “complete and diverse growth” over the past year “was very impressive.” Mr. Britell presented Minister D’Aguilar with the double awards during a brief ceremony held at the offices of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, downtown, Nassau, February 22, 2019. Also present was Mr. Guy Britton, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of Caribbean Journal.
Caribbean Journal is the world’s largest website covering the Caribbean with original content and video focusing on travel and tourism across the entire Caribbean Basin. The Journal is considered the global leader in covering Caribbean travel and trade news.
Mr. Britell said the Journal’s Selection Process “is a very competitive process as the Journal’s Editorial Team looks at everything from hotel development to tourism arrival numbers, flights and brand awareness.”
“The Bahamas, for its very complete and diverse growth this year took home the crown and the Minister earned Minister of the Year Award for his efforts to shepherd that,” he said.
“In many ways, and this has happened several times, the two awards are intertwined. Sometimes when you win Tourism Destination of the Year, in large part, it is because you have a Minister who is stewarding that growth and making that growth happen. The Bahamas’ growth was very impressive this year because there was double-digit arrival growth across the destination, including the (Family Islands) which was a new thing.”
Mr. Britell said the results indicate that there is a growing awareness among travelers that The Bahamas is more than just Nassau and Grand Bahama.
“People are talking about Cat Island, Long Island, Eleuthera and Harbour Island and I think it was that complete overall impact and growth that was really eye-opening this year. It’s sort of a new Bahamas and people are really starting to see that (The Bahamas) its not just Nassau and Grand Bahama, but that it is all of the 700 islands and cays.”
Minister D’Aguilar said the recognition fortifies what officials at the Ministry of Tourism have been trying to accomplish in marketing The Bahamas as sixteen different destinations.
“I have said this over and over again, that there is no need to visit anywhere else in the Caribbean because in The Bahamas we have everything you could possibly want in a Caribbean vacation. In Nassau, which is our epicentre and where we have our large resorts, our guests can visit nice restaurants, shop in nice stores, visit the casinos, have that big resort feel, and go on wonderful excursions. Then we have our 15 other Family Islands that we market where you have that more intimate experience.
“It is delightful to see that our marketing strategy is working as The Bahamas, overall, had in excess of 16 per cent growth in stopover visitors and we are seeing that continue into this year with the growth spread over many of the islands. Abaco is doing extremely well, up 17 per cent; Eleuthera is up a whopping 28 per cent; San Salvador is up 8 per cent; Andros is up 8 per cent and so we are seeing all of our major Family island destinations experience wonderful growth.
“It really brings about the culmination of what we have been trying to do at the Ministry of Tourism and that is to market our 16 different destinations. We have developed a credible strategy, launched a new marketing campaign. All of that is contributing to the phenomenal growth that we are seeing,” Minister D’Aguilar added.
Minister D’Aguilar said he was “delighted and humbled” to receive both awards.
“Delighted, that The Bahamas was selected by a reputable and well-known company such as Caribbean Journal as the Destination of the Year and then I am humbled to receive the Tourism Minister of the Year Award. I really am receiving this on behalf of the 376 hard-working members of the Ministry of Tourism. It is because of them that I am here today receiving this award. I am delighted and humbled to receive both of these Awards from the Caribbean Journal and I shall have them prominently displayed for everyone to see what wonderful things we are doing here in The Bahamas.”
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
s Caribbean Journal’s Destination of the Year Award from Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor-in-Chief and Guy Britton, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director during a brief ceremony at the Ministry’s offices, Downtown Nassau, February 22, 2019.
The Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar celebrates The Bahamas’ designation as Caribbean Journal’s ‘Destination of the Year.’ Minister D’Aguilar also earned the ‘Tourism Minister of the Year’ designation.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News6 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News5 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News5 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News6 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays