The Tribune

Top Ministry of Tourism executives last week travelled to Montreal to deliver the message that The Bahamas is open for business and ready for Canadian travellers after Hurricane Dorian.

Dionisio D'Aguilar, minister of tourism, and Ellison 'Tommy' Thompson, deputy director-general, provided key destination updates to travel agents and media in partnership with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. Participating hotels included Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Warwick Paradise Island, Sandals and the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board.

The Ministry of Tourism leaders reinforced the fact that while two Bahamian islands, Grand Bahama and The Abacos, are rebuilding after the devastation caused by the storm, there are still 14 unaffected islands - including Nassau/Paradise Island and the other Family Islands - that are open for business and ready to welcome visitors for a tropical getaway.

"The Bahamas is still ready to welcome visitors and we are delivering the tropical getaway that your readers and clients are seeking," said Mr D'Aguilar during the luncheon. "The beautiful sun, sand and sea showcased by our 'fly away' campaign are still just an airplane ride away."

To reinforce the beauty, warmth and adventure provided by these 14 islands, the Ministry of Tourism debuted its new Fly Away brand campaign to entice travellers to visit The Bahamas now. Destination partners also introduced new developments, including Air Canada's increased airlift to The Bahamas.

Fly Away, the new multi-channel, creative campaign featuring Bahamian-American rock legend, Lenny Kravitz, reveals the authentic spirit of The Bahamas as a destination of adventure and discovery.

Set to the lyrics of Kravitz's hit song, Fly Away, the television commercial and supporting marketing efforts capture his personal connection to The Bahamas, as well as the adrenaline rush of exploring the archipelago's 100,000 square miles by boat and plane.

Paul Strachan, senior director in The Bahamas Tourist Office in Canada, said Montreal is the second most-important Canadian market in terms of visitor arrivals to The Bahamas. Air Canada has increased its airlift from Montreal to Nassau, beginning on December 20, 2019. The non-stop service will increase Canadian airlift from twice a week to four times a week.

Ministry of Tourism executives said the best way Canadians can help The Bahamas is simple: Plan a vacation. In addition to planning a trip to The Bahamas, monetary donations to a reputable relief organisation are most critical at this time for The Abacos and Grand Bahama. Those who wish to contribute can find a list of The Bahamas' verified partners at www.bahamas.com/relief.