The Tribune

The Bahamas attracted “significant” interest at this year’s New York Times Travel Show, the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America, with more than 1,000 attendees visiting its booth.

This nation used a digital booth display and Junkanoo to make its presence felt at the event, which was held at the Jacob J Kavitz Centre in New York.

Chrystal Bethell, The Bahamas’ marketing co-ordinator, said: “The significant number of people that visited our booth proved that The Bahamas has an enduring appeal, and that interest in our destination continues to rise.”

She delivered a presentation on festivals and adventures held in The Bahamas during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s seminar for travel advisors.

The Bahamas team was joined by several private sector travel partners, including the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Sunrise Beach Villas, Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas and Melia Nassau Beach Hotel.

The Melia Hotel sponsored a hotel giveaway, while a cruise giveaway was donated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Snorkeling activity giveaways were offered through Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas.

“We’re always grateful for the presence of our travel partners as their collaboration helps to solidify our footing in the marketplace,” Ms Bethel said. “And the giveaways actually add to visitor engagement from those who visit our booth”.

The annual travel trade and consumer show features more than 747 exhibitor booths from over 176 different countries, with more than 280 speakers from across the globe. This year’s event experienced record-breaking numbers with more than 35,000 attendees, surpassing the turnout from previous years.