The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE return of a major US tour operator to Grand Bahama will provide much-needed airlift to the island by May of this year.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism this week, Vacation Express, based in Atlanta, has indicated it will be returning to Freeport with additional flights.

The announcement comes at a time when many persons have inquired about the status of airlift on Grand Bahama Island, a tourism spokesman said.

The company is known for its exclusive, non-stop flights, and affordable all-inclusive vacation packages, and has announced that some eight non-stop flights will depart various US cities, including Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Newark, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Dallas.

Flights will be operated by Swift Air LLC, using a Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Each trip will run on a four-night rotation, departing various days of the week with early departures and late returns for an optimal vacation experience.

Kevin Hernandez, vice-president for marketing and sales at Vacation Express USA, is excited about their return to Grand Bahama.

"We have had requests from many passengers and travel agents who are generally looking for a great deal on a shorter getaway. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly getaways, Grand Bahama island offers everyone a piece of Caribbean paradise close to home at an affordable price," he said.

With the return of Vacation Express to Grand Bahama, tourism officials expect that local businesses can look forward to a significant increase in stopover visitors this year.

Betty Bethel-Moss, Ministry of Tourism director in Grand Bahama, said: "The Ministry of Tourism is excited about the return of our summer Vacation Express programme from eight gateways in the United States. Since Grand Bahama is no stranger to many of these gateways like Nashville, Newark and Cincinnati, we anticipate good traction from these markets."

Vacation Express service is operated by Sunwing.