Bahamas News
Bahamas must distinguish its tourism product from that of other nations
#Freeport, GB, June 3, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost program that The Bahamas has to find a way to distinguish itself from other destinations offering the same product to the same markets.
During graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in the ballroom of Grand Lucayan resort, Minister D’Aguilar told the 247 graduates that being able to have The Bahamas stand alone as a first class tourism destination will require them to implement all that they have learned in the Bahamahost program.
“We in the Bahamas boast of beautiful beaches, turquoise seas and year round sunshine,” said Minister D’Aguilar. “The truth is, we have the right to boast. Fifty-four shades of blue and the many great wonders of The Bahamas, cannot be compared to any other land on the planet. We are the magical islands of The Bahamas.
“Our reality check, however, is that every other country in the region boasts – as we do – of having the friendliest people, the same brilliant sunshine, magical waters, and majestic beaches. We in The Bahamas do not have a monopoly on sun, sand and sea.
“Like us, many of the countries in our region have capitalized on these same natural resources to build a tourism-based economy, and these same destinations in our region are giving us stiff competition.”
The Tourism Minister said that what they are realizing at the Ministry of Tourism more each day is that once the gift of the Bahamas is unwrapped by every visitor and they get the full experience of the visit, the value of the gift that’s presented sometimes leaves much to be desired.
He said The Bahamas of the 21st Century must daily rise to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
“So, here is the key question of the evening: If the tourist destinations of our region all have sun, sand and sea in abundance, how can we in The Bahamas possibly compete and outpace our competitors,” the Minister asked, challenging the graduates.
He submitted that in order to accomplish that task there are two lanes that must be navigated successfully.
Firstly, he offered that successful tourism must be about the delivery of ‘superb, outstanding, extraordinary, stupendous service.’
“Ladies and gentlemen, I put it to you that the delivery of quality service is a critical area in which we in The Bahamas can compete hands down. How do we attain this lofty reputation for world-class service? Through commitment.
“It takes each of us to make a commitment to deliver quality service on our jobs, each day, to every customer, every time, be they tourist or local.”
Minister D’Aguilar noted that today’s travelers are no longer looking to park themselves in a lounge chair on a beach and chill out in the sun for their entire vacation. He said millennial travelers are a totally different breed, seeking one of a kind, off the beaten path, transformative experiences.
This change in traveler demand, according to the Minister, has placed the Family Islands center stage.
“Today’s visitors are looking for the kind of vacation experiences that are offered right here in Grand Bahama, an island with a great city, with family island charm.”
A second suggestion the Minister made on how The Bahamas can distinguish its tourism product from other destinations is that of ‘entrepreneurship.’
“What are those areas of the Grand Bahama tourism sector that can accommodate new businesses? What entrepreneurial opportunities out there that might add value to the visitor experience? When people travel, they want to take home some memento to remind them of their trip. They’re not looking for the mass-produced, cookie-cutter souvenirs. They’re seeking authentic products, with excellent craftsmanship. Offering authentic products and services must be the goal then.
“Graduates, I invite you to look around you. Observe what is in your environment, your culture, your heritage that you can capitalize on, to create and meet the demand of your visitors.
“Graduates of Bahamahost, you have acquired the skills and the know-how, to develop your personal brand and to deliver outstanding customer service. You are now equipped to take the quality of service that you deliver to the next level.”
Minister D’Aguliar noted that for over 40 years, the tourism industry-training program has maintained a high level of commitment to covering the Islands of The Bahamas with its signature training program, Bahamahost. He pointed out that the program has survived and thrived, preparing at least three generations of tourism and hospitality professionals throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The program, he said, has always sought to cultivate a healthy, national identity, where every citizen promotes and contributes to communal values.
“Graduates, your successful completion of this over 40-hour training program is evidence that you understand the national goal of the Bahamahost Program and that you are fully prepared to return to your work place to give an even higher level of quality service.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost Program that one of the ways to make The Bahamas’s tourism product stand out from that of other Caribbean countries is to be passionate about it. The Tourism Minister was the keynote speaker during graduation ceremonies for participants of the program on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Grand Lucayan resort.
1st inerst: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, along with Director of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour, enjoy the entertainment that was a part of the graduation ceremony for Bahamahost in Grand Bahama at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
2nd insert: Individuals from each squad of this year’s Bahamahost graduating class who were the top performers of their respective squads, were presented with the Lionel Elliot Awards during graduation ceremonies in Grand Bahama, on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Making the presentations were (in second row) Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (centre); Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (second left); Director at the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour (right); Ian Ferguson, Director of Training & Education, Ministry of Tourism (second right); and Sandra Russell, General Manager, Human Resources and Training (third right).
BIS Photos/Andrew Miller
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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