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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchombe poses with Co-Founder of Carnival Cruise lines Micky Arison (Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
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Fort Lauderdale - The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism hosted 600 key players in the global cruise industry to a special Bahamas themed reception during the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association's (FCCA) Conference of Seatrade Cruise Global 2016.
The Islands Of The Bahamas was also featured at Seatrade's leading international exhibition and conference at the Broward Convention Center, March 14-17th. At the show, The Bahamas booth was well positioned in the foyer of the Broward Convention Center at the door to the exhibit hall.
The Ministry's senior delegation was led by Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, along with Director General Joy Jibrilu, Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson Deputy Director General Ellison Thompson and Sr. Director, Cruise and Maritime Development Erica Ingraham.
Throughout Seatrade, the Minister and his team connected with Cruise and Maritime stakeholders with the intent to further solidify The Bahamas' relationship.
Minister Wilchcombe highlighted the importance of the cruise industry in The Bahamas.
“It is extremely important. The reality is that the cruise industry is doing extremely well not only in the capital city but throughout The Bahamas. What we have to do is take advantage of the cruise industry,” he said.
“We are getting 4 million visitors who we are not promoting for but they are aware of your brand but they come to The Bahamas because of the cruise industry. So what we have to do is cause for the visitors to enjoy our product. Getting more spend from the cruise passengers will certainly improve our economy and it can cause greater linkages. So I believe that this industry has grown. We have done well but we can do even better.”
Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu said the aim of the reception was to demonstrate that The Bahamas will become more involved with the FCCA.
“We have always maintained an excellent relationship with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. They are critical to what we do because they embody because they are made up of all the major cruise lines that visit The Bahamas,” she said.
“It is also an opportunity to explore new business with cruise ships that may not have The Bahamas as part of their itinerary. It is so good that we are back engaging, reengaging and showing our presence.”
Senior Director of Maritime Tourism Erica Ingraham said the conference was a wonderful opportunity.
“The Bahamas engaged fully in all related initiatives to advance the cruise sector. We are confident that the communication and marketing initiatives will further promote the diversity and excitement of the isles scattered 100,000 miles across the Atlantic with 700 Islands and 2,300 Cays; a paradise for those seeking leisure, sports, romance and activities, as families, couples and even groups," she said.
Seatrade is the leading international Cruise exhibition in the United States, bringing together buyers and suppliers for networking opportunity, business sourcing and innovation showcases.
Significant to The Bahamas' Seatrade presence was the hosted cocktail reception and the FCCA's gala dinner on Wednesday, March 16th at the Hilton Marina.
The Ministry of Tourism hosted an unimaginable 90-minute showcase, which included a Junkanoo Carnival expo and music by the Spank Band, all equally complemented by delectable culinary delights of the multi-island destination.
CEO's and presidents, along with decision making cruise line executives from operations, tours, itinerary planning, marketing and every other aspect of the cruise industry attended the prestigious event.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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