The Tribune

Airbnb says its partnership with The Bahamas will both promote sustainable tourism and drive increased visitor numbers to this nation.

The vacation rental website linked with the Ministry of Tourism to unveil the “Bahamas Sabbatical”, which will offer five participants the chance to live in The Bahamas and explore the natural resources and cultural heritage of this nation.

“Thanks to this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), The Bahamas Sabbatical is a reality, and we are sure this, together with our pipeline of additional projects, will help to strengthen tourism in the country,” said Chloe Burke, Airbnb public policy associate for the Caribbean and Central America.

“As any visitor to these shores can attest, the islands of The Bahamas are indeed idyllic, with other-worldly natural beauty that draws you in, and rich history and fascinating culture that envelops your mind, body and spirit. We are thrilled to share some of what makes this country so magical with our network of more than six travellers, and help entrench five participants in a transformational two-month experience.”

The Bahamas Sabbatical follows Airbnb’s Italian and Antarctic Sabbaticals, and is the first to launch in 2020. Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director general, said: “It will enhance our message in the travel marketplace that the islands of The Bahamas are open for business, with the net result of driving travel business to our island communities that are working to build a sustainable brand of tourism.”