The Tribune

THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and University of Miami Athletics have announced a broad-based strategic multi-year partnership making The Islands of The Bahamas the official “Destination Partner” of Miami Athletics.

The partnership includes game presenting sponsorships, Bahamian-themed promotions and on-site activations, across UM’s football and basketball programmes.

And there will be opportunities for Miami Hurricanes fans to win special prizes and giveaways, including the chance to embark on the tropical adventure of a lifetime in The Islands of The Bahamas. Fans can also look forward to special promotions for select sporting events, including the 2023 Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship set for November 17-19.

“We are pleased to enter into this exciting multi-year partnership with University of Miami Athletics and, by extension, their students, faculty and alumni, many of whom have Bahamian roots,” said I Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister (DPM) and minister of tourism, investments and aviation.

He said apart from the close proximity of The Bahamas to South Florida, “We have a longstanding historical relationship with the state, and Miami in particular, where many Bahamians have resided for decades, attended UM and made their new homes in places such as Coconut Grove.”

DPM Cooper noted that Bahamians were recently recognised for their contribution to the growth of the area that is now designated Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

He added: “I expect that this partnership will enable us to achieve synergies that will highlight all the offerings of The Islands of The Bahamas and expand new opportunities for partnership in training and education. We see this area of sports engagement as a critical part of our nation’s tourism product moving forward.”

“We are proud to join efforts with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation of The Islands of The Bahamas, the official “Destination Partner” of Miami Athletics, as they share our commitment to work with partners who will enhance the fan experience,” said Chris Maragno, senior vice president of Hurricanes Global Partnerships.

“As The Bahamas is only a 30-minute flight for a large portion of our fan base, we are looking forward to showcasing the uniqueness of The Islands of The Bahamas.”

The Bahamas has been the backdrop of many successful major international sporting events, training sessions and more throughout its history and continues to lead the travel market as a mecca for sporting events.

This multi-year partnership with UM will continue to strengthen the country’s national “Sports in Paradise” initiative by positioning The Bahamas as the ideal destination for sports related meetings/conferences, tournaments, events and more.

The partnership was facilitated by Legends, which has managed corporate sponsorships and multimedia rights for UM Athletics since April 2021.

For more information on The Islands of The Bahamas x UM Athletics partnership, visit: www.bahamas.com/TheU.