For 45 years, the Bahamas has been inviting visitors to discover its warm hospitality and rich culture through a unique people-to-people program that goes well beyond the islands’ physical sites. Now, with pandemic still in force, the Bahamas tourist board is bringing the program to a virtual stage through an online series designed to create real-time connections for travellers and experiences like learning to cook, dance, and more.
“With vaccinations on the rise and travel confidence steadily increasing, The Bahamas is looking forward to welcoming back travellers whenever they choose to visit,” states the Bahamas’ ministry of tourism. “However, those who are not ready to travel just yet, will be pleased to know they do not have to miss out on an authentic Bahamas experience simply because they do not get on a plane.”
The virtual sessions, which can be booked online, are unique in that they are not just streamed viewing experiences offered to unlimited numbers of participants, or explored solo in 360-degree technology, but instead are curated to small intimate groups (of no more than five participants each) who will interface live with local hosts, “allowing for real conversation and authentic connection through the sharing of Bahamian culture and traditions.”
The program offers five free virtual session themes where participants can cook, drink, dance, and chat with local ambassadors in The Bahamas:
• Local Life 101: Sick of the news? Turn it off and take a walk with historian Arlene Nash Ferguson to learn about the culture and heritage of The Bahamas…and maybe even some tips on how to speak the colloquial language.
• Cooking Like a Local: Stuck in a pandemic cooking rut? Move over sourdough starter – wine and dine with ambassadors as they open the doors to their home kitchens and walk you through a step-by-step cooking session featuring one of their favorite Bahamian meals.
• Happy Hour Like a Local: Shake up your afternoon, literally, by learning how to make the famous Bahama Mama cocktail.
• Walk and Talk with a Local: Need a change of scenery on your post-work stroll? Take in the sights and sounds of Bahamian sunsets, tropical landscapes and sandy beaches while engaging in conversation with locals who can give the inside scoop on everything taking place on the islands.
• Dance Like a Local – Junkanoo: Looking to mix up your at-home workout routine? Learn how to move to the beat of The Bahamas with a dash of history through a step-by-step Junkanoo tutorial – an upbeat and beautifully choreographed dance deeply rooted in one of the country’s most celebrated traditions.
Most sessions take place in the late afternoon or early evening and all are scheduled throughout the month of May.
“The People-to-People Program offers travellers the unique opportunity to enter the homes of Bahamian citizens and truly immerse themselves in our culture,” says tourism minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “We are proud to bring these experiences to the virtual stage and our ambassadors are thrilled to share their love of The Bahamas with travellers once again.”
The People-to-People Program has long been “matching” visitors, often entire families, with more than 500 Bahamian volunteers of similar ages and interests for a day or evening activity which could include boating, fishing, shopping at the local outdoor market, attending a local school or enjoying a “back-street tour.” More often, the experiences included visiting Bahamians in their home for a traditional meal of Peas ‘n Rice, fried fish and Guava Duff.
Many People-to-People encounters have also resulted in lasting friendships between visitors and locals for decades, notes the Ministry of Tourism.
For more information on booking in-person experiences, please visit HERE.