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News : Ministry of Tourism Updates Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Bahamas Tourism officials visit Vancouver, Canada to launch weekly Sunwing flights
Oct 24, 2014 - 1:00:24 AM

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Bahamas Tourism officials visit Vancouver, Canada to launch Sunwing flights to Grand Bahama. Left to right: Carmel Churchill, Director Marketing Services, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board; Graeme Franklin, Sunwing Travel Group; Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; and Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu; Director of Tourism Grand Bahama, Betty Bethel; Ellison Thompson, Deputy Director General, Tourism; and Paul Strachan, Director, Bahamas Tourist Office, Toronto, Canada (Photo: TheBahamasWeekly.com)

CANADA - Bahamas Ministry of Tourism officials where in Vancouver, British Columbia on October 21st to officially launch a weekly flight service to Grand Bahama Island via Sunwing Vacations starting on November 1st, 2014. The entourage included the Hon. Minister, Obediah Wilchcombe; Director General, Joy Jibrilu; and Deputy General of Tourism, Ellison Thompson. 
Representing Sunwing Travel Group was Graeme Franklin, Director of Sales. 

Departing initially on Saturdays, the flight becomes a direct, non-stop service departing Fridays from December 19, 2014.

Passengers can start off their vacation in style by taking advantage of Sunwing Airlines' award-winning Champagne Service that includes a welcome glass of champagne, complimentary food and wine along with in-flight entertainment offered at no charge. All packages also include a generous 20kg free baggage allowance.

Offering remarks at the luncheon held at the Rosewood Georgia Hotel, was
Paul Strachan, Director, Bahamas Tourist Office in Toronto; Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu; Betty Bethel, Director, Grand Bahama Tourism Office; Bahamas Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; and Tourism Deputy Director General, Ellison Thompson.

Remarks offered by Minister Wilchcombe reflected upon the relationship that Vancouver already has with The Bahamas. He made reference to his visit to Vancouver when he was a journalist for the Commonwealth gathering in which resulted in economic sanctions against South Africa, which were instrumental in aiding in the freeing of Nelson Mandela. He also mentioned the 10-year management agreement signed in
2006 between Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) and YVR Airport Services Ltd. (YVRAS) to manage, operate and redevelop the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.

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TOP left: Betty Bethel, Director, Grand Bahama Tourism Office; Robbin Whachell, Co-founder / Editor, The Bahamas Weekly; Carmel Churchill, Director of Sales, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. TOP Right: Chris Lowe, Bahamians in Vancouver Facebook group creator; Bahamas Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; and Gareth Hanna, Bahamians in Vancouver Facebook creator; BOTTOM left: Part of the Bahamas entourage; and BOTTOM right: Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Robbin Whachell, Editor / Co-Founder The Bahamas Weekly (Photos: TheBahamasWeekly.com)

The Bahamas Weekly's co-founder and editor, Robbin Whachell, lives in the Vancouver area and also attended the event. "This news brings much excitement not only to myself and my family, but to all the Bahamians living in the Vancouver area.  Recently a Facebook page was started by two young Bahamians living in Vancouver and a large group has now united. This news has already been shared leading to much applause, as this direct flight will certainly aid in reuniting Bahamian families," said Whachell.

"
Vancouver is a city was high on my bucket list of places to visit and I have not been disappointed," said Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Tourism. "It is a beautiful city and speaks to all that is synonymous with this great country, Canada. In fact, the lush greenery, flowers and the ocean reminds me of the natural beauty I see daily in my home – The Islands Of The Bahamas. So compelling is the allure of our country, that over 5 million visitors travel annually to  our shores to experience amongst other things, our sun, sand and sea, engaging culture and cuisine and the most welcoming people in the world."

"
Although we know first hand that we are the best choice for a warm weather vacation for Canadians, it is really partnerships with innovative and dynamic companies such as Sunwing that allow us to share these gifts with the world, and more specifically with Canadians from across this great landscape," continued the Director General. 

"
Each year an increasing number of Canadians are being made aware of how easy it is to get on an airplane and in a matter of a few hours, experience the warm sunshine, balmy breezes and crystal clear waters of a tranquil Bahamian island.  And so, it is our goal... to show every Canadian what we already know, that Its’ Better In The Bahamas," said Jibrilu.

With the introduction of the Vancouver service, the airline will offer eight Canadian gateways into the island; a development which has been welcomed by the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board.

Lying just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, Grand Bahama is one of the most accessible islands within the Bahamas archipelago. A laid back, family-friendly destination, this engaging island offers an enticing blend of 'toes-in-the-sand' relaxation and soft adventure. Kayaking, dolphin watching, scuba diving and air boat eco-adventures are just some of the activities than can be enjoyed within its pristine turquoise waters. On land, the island is ripe for jeep safari and mountain biking adventures; while the inimitable Bahamian culture and lifestyle can be savoured at regular fish fries in the traditional village of Smith's Point and Junkanoo style carnival events in Freeport's Count Basie Square.

Opened earlier this year, the Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort & Casino is the perfect choice for couples and families looking to explore this captivating Bahamian island. Set on the white sands of Lucayan beach, opposite the colourful and charming open air entertainment and dining complex of Port Lucaya, this expansive property offers a casino, spa, and free unlimited green fees at the nearby Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Reef Course.

Families will appreciate this exclusive Sunwing Family Collection™ resort with its teens lounge and supervised kids club featuring appearances from famous cartoon characters such as the Berenstain Bears and Toopy and Binoo as well as the on-site splash park and daily activities together with evening entertainment. While couples can enjoy unlimited all inclusive reservation-free dining options including the Selections international buffet, Bella CucinaItalian restaurant, H Steak House, and The Prop Barserving pub fare with some island flair.International spirits and local specialties flow freely from seven bars including the Social Bar, Beach Bar, and Swim Up Pool Bar.The resort also offers a range of wedding and honeymoon packages to suit all budgets.

A week's stay at the Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort & Casino starts from $995 plus $385 taxes based on two people sharing a Deluxe Room on an all inclusive basis and departing from Vancouver on January 02 or 16, 2015.

About Sunwing Vacations
All Sunwing Vacations packages include award winning Sunwing Airlines' Champagne Service, which features a complimentary glass of champagne, hot towel service, Hot & Fresh Bistro meals™served with a choice of wine at lunch and dinner, and complimentary in-flight entertainment, including first run movies and a generous 20 kg free baggage allowance. For just $40 more per flight segment, travellers can upgrade to Sunwing's Elite Plus service, which features advance seat selection, separate check-in at a majority of airports, advance boarding, 30 kg baggage allowance, priority baggage handling, and extra legroom seats.

For more information on vacations to Grand Bahama departing from Vancouver visit www.sunwing.ca or speak to your local travel agent.


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Tourism officials speaking at the event were (left to right top) Betty Bethel, Director, Grand Bahama Tourism Office; Paul Strachan, Director, Bahamas Tourist Office, Toronto, Canada; Bahamas Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu; and Bottom left to right: Bahamas Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; and Ellison Thompson, Deputy Director General, Tourism. (Photos: TheBahamasWeekly.com)










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