The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board’s (NPIPB) chief executive yesterday said hosting the “much sought after” Routes 2025 aviation summit will showcase The Bahamas’ “first class” airport.

Joy Jibrilu told Tribune Business she is “delighted” that the country is hosting the regional Routes America conference on February 10-13, 2025. “After a very long and tough bidding process, Nassau was selected as the destination to host Routes America 2025,” she said.

“Our bid was submitted with the full support of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Aviation & Investments (MOTIA) and the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD). We all saw the importance of hosting Routes America at this time, as Routes America positions The Bahamas as a prime destination for networking, meetings and event programming generally.

“But particularly, in this instance, this provides a rare opportunity to have top airline executives, senior industry professionals from airlines, airports and destinations immersed in Bahamian culture, both through their accommodations and their island experiences,” Mrs Jibrilu added.

“Routes America will also bring awareness to the plethora of direct flights connecting Nassau with key locations in the US, Canada, the UK and Latin America and we hope, following this, even further afield.”

Routes Americas, in a statement, said: “As a top destination with a growing number of direct flights from the US, Canada and the UK, Nassau Paradise Island will serve as an ideal location for the 18th edition of Routes Americas.

“Nassau is home to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), the first airport outside of the US to offer TSA PreCheck and one of the few select airports offering US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance, along with US Global Entry expedited clearance.

“It is also one of the few Caribbean destinations to offer non-stop service from New York with flights from all three destination airports, and recently announced its first direct flight from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).”

Vernice Walkine, President and chief executive at NAD, LPIA’s operator, said: “As an airport serving a premier destination, we are thrilled to have been selected to host the Routes Americas forum for a second time. Back in 2012, we welcomed top airlines and airports in the midst of a major infrastructural upgrade at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

“Together with our partners at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, we look forward to putting on another fantastic forum in paradise where delegates will experience our rich culture and see how significant investments in the country continue to make Nassau/Paradise Island a top-ranking destination in the region.

“Airline executives will see the fully redeveloped LPIA and be informed regarding the airport’s growth and expansion plans. It is truly an exciting time for the airport and the destination, and we are so pleased to have been chosen once again to host this extraordinary forum.’”

Mrs Jibrilu added: “It also provides an opportunity for airline partners to see first-hand our first-class international airport and all the work that has been done in making Nassau a seamless international gateway. When a destination has hosted Routes, it has inevitably led to increased airlift, and we are confident that the same will hold true for Nassau and The Bahamas.

“By highlighting the extensive redevelopment of Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, airlines will gain insight into why Nassau/Paradise Island ranks as a top-tier destination. And again, we hope to first and foremost see increased airlift being added for the destination.

“The conference will be hosted at Atlantis, providing attendees with an opportunity to experience one of the island’s most iconic resorts, conveniently located within walking distance of local Bahamian cultural treasures, including authentic cuisine, art, music and culture. In addition, it provides a wonderful opportunity to enhance The Bahamas’ networking and partnership opportunities by showcasing the variety of experiences the islands have to offer.”