The Tribune

THE Bahamas is once again looking to make its mark at the annual Caribbean Week in New York as tourism officials are vigorously working to present the country as the premier destination choice of the region.

Coming off the heels of successfully hosting the IAAF World Relays, The Bahamas will use the major promotional event this week to communicate with international industry and promotional partners and thousands of potential visitors.

Tourism officials are looking to communicate The Bahamas’ message to key contacts in media, wedding and honeymoon, travel agents, wholesalers, industry partners, consumers and promotional contacts.

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe will lead a delegation for Caribbean Week and Prime Minister Perry Christie will also travel for the event, which is organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, includes 30 countries and is the largest regional tourism event in the New York area.

“The importance of Caribbean Tourism Week is more to ascertain the issues that face regional countries and their resolutions of such issues and having a great exchange of matters pertaining to the growth and development of the industry,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“I am particularly pleased that the prime minister will be addressing the Caribbean Tourism Ministers, directors and stakeholders this week because the prime minister will bring an insight and will bring new thoughts on how the region should collectively work in causing for their economies to grow through the most resilient industry that we are aware of and that is tourism.”

Throughout the week, tourism officials will host Bahamas chef appearances and cooking demonstrations, a chef programme at Bloomingdales, showcase The Bahamas’ 16 weddings promotion, host a Bahamas Travel Appreciation lunch reception and participate in a number of marketing conferences and workshops.