The Tribune

THE Ministry of Tourism took advantage of the cold US winter to promote the Bahamas at two major east coast travel shows.

The Travel and Adventure Show, in Washington D.C., and the New York Times Travel Show were used to showcase this nation's attractions to consumers from its core east coast markets.

Both shows typically attract 20,000 attendees, drawing persons from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and even Philadelphia.

The New York Times event attracts visitors from areas such as Newark, Connecticut and even parts of Philadelphia. The Bahamas has been a frequent exhibitor at these events, and the message at the New York Times Show emphasised the Family Islands' beauty and diversity.

Large numbers of attendees visited the Bahamas booth to take photos with costumed Bahamas Carnival models, as well as others who were body painted.

In addition to the consumers and travel agents, the New York Times event attracted numerous bloggers, many who took to social media to share on the Bahamas with hashtags including #bahamas, #newyorktimestravelshow, #itsbetterinthebahamas #travelshow. The DC Travel and Adventure Show showcased Bahamian culture.

A group of Bahamian Junkanoo performers took to the Show's Global Beat Stage, and gave a demonstration of the annual event.

They featured the instruments used to provide the musical sounds, and provided a brief history of Junkanoo.

During the two shows, the Bahamas' marketing teams also raised awareness of direct airlift and promoted the upcoming seasonal flights to Freeport with Vacation Express, which will begin this summer from Balti more and Newark.