Exhibitor Spotlight: The Bahamas

Ahead of The Meetings Show 2023, we spoke to Janet Cuffie, director, group sales North America, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation to find out what The Bahamas offers for MICE bookers.   

Tell us about The Bahamas’ MICE market?

The Bahamas economy is dependent on tourism, accounting for over half of the country’s GDP, which means the livelihood of Bahamians and the condition of the workforce is directly impacted by the success of the industry – spanning leisure, business, transient and group.

Increased visitors and MICE bookings brings tremendous benefit to all tourism entities, from transportation to accommodation, local businesses, shops, restaurants, and excursion and tour operators. The MICE industry business is very important to our tourism growth.  It accounts for more than 40% of our overall tourism business. The Bahamas offers more than 30 world class luxury resorts and meeting facilities, boutique hotels, villas, and hideaways of every style and size for your clients.

The Bahamas offers a paradise to work and play for corporate meetings, conferences, and incentive travel.  With 16 unique island destinations housing more than 50 resorts - Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar resorts are the two major hotels - and villas for groups of all sizes and budgets. 

What makes the Bahamas such a great place for incentives? 

There are many factors that makes The Bahamas great for incentives. It is an ideal setting for an array of meetings and incentive trips. Firstly, it offers 16 unique islands suitable for the incentive travel market. Each island offers something different and unique including swimming pigs on Exuma and the famous Glass Window Bridge (one of the wonders of The Bahamas). A group can visit The Bahamas repeatedly with a different experience each time.

Secondly, its location – there are non-stop flights from major gateways to Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport and International airports are also available in the Out Islands. It’s also in close proximity to the USA and Canada.

Finally, it is so hospitable and friendly (see our People/ People to People programme

  https://www.bahamas.com/plan-your-trip/people-to-people) and a team of professionals and meeting experts are available to ensure every need is met and no details left behind.

Why should buyers book The Bahamas for their next event?

The Bahamas is one of the top leading destinations for meetings and incentive travel in the region. It offers some of the world’s most luxurious resorts and has properties with significant meeting space and special venues as well as spectacular weather, fine dining, and exotic outdoor activities.

Incentive groups can work in Nassau Paradise Island and play in one of the many Bahama Out Islands and The Bahamas is the first TSA Pre-check location outside of the United States.

What new developments can you tell us about?

New hotels in Nassau include the Goldwynn Bahamas Hotel in Nassau and Margaritaville Nassau Beach Hotel.

Upcoming developments include:

·       Ritz Carlton Hotel in Eleuthera

·       New Nassau Cruise Port opening in May 2023

·       Pharrell Williams Resort opening 2025  

What are you expecting from The Meetings Show this year?

To connect with meeting and incentive organisers and showcase what The Bahamas has to offer in order to offer the perfect event.