Ministry of Tourism Updates
Bahamas Day at Banyan
By Jeannie Gibson, MOT
Feb 15, 2010 - 9:27:48 PM

Fort Lauderdale, FL - In its ongoing efforts to promote The Islands of The Bahamas as the premiere destination for general aviation/private pilots, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation will be the chief sponsor of a Bahamas Day event at a Fixed Based Operation (FBO) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 20, 2010.

The First Annual Bahamas Day, is being hosted by Banyan Air Service, located at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.  Banyan was named earlier this year as one of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Aviation Division (BMOTA’s) Bahamas Preferred Gateways. Going forward, the Bahamas Day will be hosted by a different Bahamas Preferred Gateway each year.

Bahamas Day is for pilots who want to fly their aircraft to The Bahamas as well as for non-pilots who desire information on charter flights and accommodations. On February 20^th, Banyan’s hangar will be transformed into the look and feel of The Bahamas with exhibitors from the islands sharing information about their resorts, hotels, and activities. 

An eAPIS seminar will be offered that will help pilots understand eAPIS requirements and how to file on-line.  The seminar will be presented by U.S. Customs.  Another popular seminar, Flying to The Bahamas, will provide information about gateway FBOs, required documentation, and various island accommodations and activities.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Customs officials will be on hand to answer any questions pilots may have. In addition, group fly-in representatives will provide information on their services, and their upcoming schedule of trips.  Bahamian food will be available for purchase and a Junkano band will provide entertainment.

This event is being sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Aviation Division as part of its FBO Gateway (Bahamas Preferred Gateways) program.  The FBO Gateway program was initiated to ensure select FBOs are trained in helping private pilots obtain procedural information on flying to and from various Bahamas Islands.  Other Official Gateway FBOs that will be participating at this event are Jet Center Fort Pierce, SheltAir Aviation, Ft. Lauderdale and Showalter Flying Service, Orlando.

Other sponsors of this event include; Avfuel Corporation, Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club, Odyssey Aviation, and Pilot Publishing, Inc. publishers of the Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot’s Guide, Universal Weather & Aviation, Fernandez Bay Village, and Abaco Beach Resort.

For information on attending Banyan’s Bahamas Day as an attendee, sponsor or exhibitor, please visit www.banyanair.com/bahamasday or contact Nancy Bouvier at 954-492-3552, nbouvier@banyanair.com or Bill Garghill 954-492-3547, bgarghill@banyanair.com.

About The Islands of the Bahamas:

Life in The Islands of the Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to the exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island.  With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches, the 700 islands of the Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all.  If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas, make your next stop Banyan’s Bahamas Day.