From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Bahamas Tourism's 'People to People' opens new doors
By Clarence Rolle, MOT
May 1, 2014 - 8:54:37 PM
Francine Lowe and Victor Tedoff with host Lovern Wildgoose and People to People manager Bernadete Bastian. (Photo: Derek Smith/BIS)
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The People to People program has tapped into a new source for
attracting visitors to experience the cultural exchange program – referrals
from travel agents and consultants.
Francine Lowe, a travel consultant based in Atlanta, learned
about the program from People to People manager Bernadette Bastian when she
attended the Vacation Express travel trade show early in the year. She was intrigued by the program and wanted
to experience it herself.
Soon after their meeting in Atlanta, Ms. Lowe visited Nassau
on a cruise and was introduced to Lovern Wildgoose, a People to People
Ambassador for more than 20 years. She hosted Ms. Lowe to a home-cooked meal in her home and spoke to
her about the Bahamian culture.
“I didn’t know exactly what to expect but coming here today,
I felt like royalty,” Ms. Lowe said while at Ms. Wildgoose’s home. “We were
greeted and taken here and felt warm and comfortable and got to experience the
typical family meal and home environment. That kind of thing.”
Ms. Lowe said taking part in the program made her see that
People to People is another way her clients could experience a different side
of the Bahamas. In addition to shopping, touring and lying on beaches, visitors
could learn about The Bahamas in a more intimate way, she said.
“I will definitely recommend it to my clients when they come
to The Bahamas,” she said. “I learned
that it is not only share a meal. It was also go to church or to a function. It
is obviously a program the travel agents should know more about because I did
not know about it until I met Ms. Bastian.”
Enjoying a meal at the home of Lovern Wildgoose (standing). (Photo: Derek Smith/BIS)
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Ms. Bastian said it makes sense to work with travel agents
since they are able to suggest the program to clients. She said People to
People gives even greater value to a Bahamas vacation, allowing guests to make
personal connections with hosts such as Ms. Wildgoose.
Ms. Wildgoose said she loves the program because she loves
to entertain gusts and she loves to cook for others.
“Most of my guests, once I bring them to my house for
dinner, they want to come back,” she said, adding that most people prefer her
cooking over sitting in a restaurant.
Ms. Wildgoose recalled hosting several special guests,
including a visitor from Germany who got married in The Bahamas and continues
to vacation here. As president of the
Cancer Society of The Bahamas, she was also happy to host a cancer survivor
whose husband surprised her by enrolling her for a People to People experience.
“Today, I have another special guest,” she said. “They are
all special, but because she, Cindy, had cancer, I think that made it more
special. But all of the guests are special to me and I don’t think I have had a
guest who was disgruntled ever.”
Ms. Wildgoose said she will continue with the program,
ensuring that guests leave The Bahamas happy.
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