Top US travel agents have been given an authentic taste of the Bahamas via the Ministry of Tourism and premier travel magazine, Travel & Leisure.
The reception, which was held at Hudson Terrace in New York city, celebrated top travel agents that have made significant contributions to the Bahamas.
“We proudly celebrate 50 years in the tourism business, and we are deeply grateful for the support we have received from travel agents who have contributed to the success of tourism in the islands of the Bahamas”, said Donna Mackey, senior sales manager at the Ministry of Tourism.
Ms Mackey charged the agents to take advantage of the next 50 years of Bahamian tourism ‘to exponentially increase visitor arrivals.’
Ellison Thompson, the deputy director-general of tourism, thanked the travel agent community for generating more than 30 per cent of the Bahamas’ tourism business.
He told the agents present that the Ministry of Tourism would continue to increase its promotional activity and strengthen its agents’ support system.
Mr Thompson also revealed that the Ministry of Tourism would soon launch a new travel agent rewards programme.
“We already have one in the UK and in Europe. It will be an educational programme. Agents will learn more about our 16-island destination and gain points towards free familiarisation trips,” he said.
Guests then viewed a video presentation on the history of tourism in the Bahamas – focusing on past, present and future developments.
Joy Jibrilu, the director-general of tourism, said the event was her first international assignment since she was appointed just a few weeks ago.
“Travel and Leisure declared the Bahamas as one of the hottest destinations in the world. In addition, the Bahamas is the No.1 Caribbean destination for Americans” she added.
Travel and Leisure’s readers were said to have spent more than $21 million in the Bahamas last year.
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