Canadians may find it difficult to get to, and get home from, the Bahamas these days, but when we do return, there will be a host of developments waiting. Moreover, Paul Strachan, Sr. Director, Sales and Marketing for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Canada, says the tourist board is planning to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

“I think we will rebound quickly as consumers are already showing a lot of interest,” he says. “We are confident people will be ready to travel once again in the coming months, and our proximity and variety of islands and vacation experiences will be quite appealing. We offer such a diverse product – from large casino resorts to boutique hotels on secluded islands – that would be appealing to those of varying comfort levels of travel during and post the COVID pandemic.”

Strachan says a variety of marketing tactics will be deployed to attract visitors in 20201 including “a more personal touch with marketing communications inviting visitors to the destination using a story-telling approach featuring authentic Bahamians, and, of course, with the use of our brand ambassador Lenny Kravitz.

“The pandemic has meant that many people are looking to get away from the crowds,” he adds. “We think that for these islands, there is an opportunity to promote themselves as the perfect getaway for those in search of tranquility and seclusion, those looking to escape larger crowds and the stresses of dealing with the COVID pandemic…”

Here is a small sampling of some of the islands’ latest happenings:

NEWS

Virtual Wedding Expos – The Bahamas is gearing up to host two virtual events on March 3 (1-4 p.m. EST) and 10 (4-7 p.m. EST) to showcase the vast offerings for romantic escapes throughout the destination. The “From The Bahamas With Love” expos will bring together industry leaders, partners, hotels, venues and services for a unique and educational experience for trade and consumer participants. The March 3 show is aimed at travel agents and planners, the March 10 event for consumers including soon-to-be engaged or recently engaged couples, future brides and grooms, bachelorette party planners, honeymoon do-over seekers and more. For more info and to register for the trade event, click HERE.

Ministry of Tourism Relaunches Bahamas.com ¬– The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has relaunched Bahamas.com with new features and functionalities allowing consumers to easily plan their next vacation. The new, user-friendly interface includes tools to promote key passion points for travellers and ensure the ease of planning with the new Itinerary Planner, Experiences and “Discover Your Next Adventure” features.

HOTELS

Baha Mar Launches On-Site Testing – The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort has become the first resort in Nassau to offer on-site PCR and antigen testing for guests. “Many travellers are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result when arriving home, and our goal is to make that process as seamless as possible with the option to take a test on property rather than going off-site”, says Ulrich Samietz, GM of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The test will be administered by Nassau’s Doctor’s Hospital.

Other hotels across Nassau Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands are providing on-site COVID testing for guests in accordance with new international travel requirements, including Atlantis and The Ocean Club on Nassau Paradise Island along with Out Island hotels including Caerula Mar Resort and Abaco Beach Resort. For a full list of COVID testing sites and the latest travel and entry protocols, visit Bahamas.com/TravelUpdates.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Opens to Visitors – The highly anticipated resort, located near Junkanoo Beach and downtown Nassau, held a soft opening in late December and is now accepting reservations. During this time, guests can enjoy the One Particular Harbor building and its amenities, including Joe Merchant’s Bakery, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, luxurious infinity pool and more. Margaritaville Beach Resort plans to open the main building and all other amenities this spring.

SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar to Reopen March – Baha Mar will enter into its final phase of reopening on March 4 with the reopening of Rosewood and SLS. The Nassau resort first welcomed back guests at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in December 2020.

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course Reopens – With the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort’s reopening on Feb. 24, golfers can once again enjoy the award-winning Greg Norman course. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is frequently recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean, with 18 holes set against The Exumas’ famous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.

Breezes Bahamas Welcomes Back Guests with Be Smart + Safe Initiative – Upon its reopening in December, Breezes Bahamas has safely welcomed guests with its Be Smart + Safe initiative. The initiative provides guests and team members with protocols on social distancing, face coverings and more.

Harbour Island’s Rock House Hotel Launches Villa – Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has launched its Rock House Rental Villa, a private vacation home with all the amenities of a hotel. While the hotel and restaurant remain closed, up to 20 guests can enjoy the fully staffed private villa that comes with a private chef and concierge to take care of guests’ every need. Booking is available on Vrbo.

Other re-openings ¬– A number of hotels across The Bahamas have reopened, including Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Resort World Bimini, and Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. Additionally, The Cove at Atlantis will reopen Feb. 11.

PROMOTIONS & OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.