Wednesday, June 21, 2023
The successful series of Global Sales and Marketing Missions of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation (BMOTIA) continueswith stops in California from June 12 to 14, hosting over 300 visitors. These activities are intended to re-engage tourism partners and increase tourist arrivals from the surrounding area.
The Honourable I. Chester Cooper,Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism,Investments,and Aviation, led a delegation of senior tourism officials, including Director General Latia Duncombe, to a number of events, including meetings with key stakeholders and media from across the tourism industry, as well as culturally inspired evenings at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles Beverly Hills in Los Angeles on June 12th, and the Viceroy Santa Monica in Santa Monica on June 13thand The Westin South Coast Plaza in Cosa Mesa on 14 June.
44 national and local media representatives were given a taste of The Bahamas at Viceroy Santa Monica, which included Bahamian celebrities such as Chef Kevyn Pratt and Mixologist Marv Cunningham. Guests were literally transported to The Bahamas thanks to delectable Bahamian-inspired snacks, beverages, music, and an exhilarating Junkanoo performance. A live Q&A panel discussed The Bahamas’ constantly increasing tourism numbers, plans for future development and innovation, the beauty and attractiveness of its 16 islands, and the numerous reasons why The Bahamas is a sought-after destination.
The delegation also met with leaders and industry partners from across California’s business, cinema, arts and culture, and sports markets, including the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Beverly Hills Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Costa Mesa Mayor’s Office, the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Travel Costa Mesa, the Sir Sidney Poitier ASU Film School, Amazon Film, Netflix, and others.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister made a special live in-studio visit at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles to promote JetBlue’s newly announced first-ever nonstop service from LAX to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
The maiden trip will take place on November 4th, making it simpler than ever for West Coast visitors to consider visiting The Bahamas for their next holiday.
“We’ve always had a fondness for and a connection with California; and therefore, we wanted to further this relationship and grow tourism in this marketplace,” said DPM Cooper.
“We want to use Los Angeles International Airport as a gateway to the Pacific Coast and a gateway to Asia, creating multi destination travel. This is an important prospect for Bahamas tourism.”
The DPM added, “While we are promoting tourism, we have also promoted the development of new industries, as well as, aviation and investments. We had some very interesting meetings on the development of TV and movie products. Regarding these specific talks, we discussed collaborative ways to encourage new professionals in the sector, training, internship, and scholarship opportunities, all with the goal of advancing the overall film industry for The Bahamas.”
DG Duncombe reiterated the missions’ importance and provided more insight on the future of Bahamas tourism in the Golden State.
“The islands of The Bahamas consider California to be a vital market, offering an ideal visitor profile, and we are thrilled by the immense possibilities it holds,” expressed Director General Duncombe.
“In addition, our excitement grows as we anticipate the upcoming launch of a Bahamas Tourist Office in Los Angeles. With a dedicated and enthusiastic team, we aim to actively promote our destination and continuously attract a growing number of visitors to the destination.”
The “Bringing the Bahamas to You” Global Missions will return in the late summer and autumn of 2023, with stops in Atlanta, Georgia and London, England.
Visitors planning a trip to the Bahamas in 2023 may expect year-long celebrations, activities, and festivities as the destination marks a golden jubilee of 50 years of freedom.
The National Family Island Sailing Regatta; the 50th on Bay Street event, an exciting street event exhibiting Bahamian art, food, entertainment, and more; Bahama Rock, a celebration of Bahamian music, and much more are among the highlights of the forthcoming 50th independence festivities.
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
