The People-to-People Unit of Grand Bahama is proud to announce the re-launch of the program after an absence of one year out of the market place.  During the next two weeks we will be actively recruiting new volunteers to hosts the many visitors that will participate in the program.

The program is designed to provide visitors with a unique Bahamian experience, and foster cultural and enriching memories between our visitors and volunteers, and deliver a satisfying vacation experience.

The program matches visitors and local volunteers according to their hobbies, interests, civic organizations and occupations. Volunteers in collaboration with the visitor are responsible for setting up and meeting their guests.  The volunteer may wish to invite a visitor to share an evening of pleasant conversation, join in the fun at a family gathering or worship with them at church.  What ever is done is left entirely to the host and the visitor.

For a visitor interested in delving into the history, folklore, and culture of the country, People-to-People offers a rare opportunity for them to meet Grand  Bahamian residents who can introduce them to the Bahamas through the eyes of a Bahamian.

Another facet of the program that we will be encouraging through our schools, churches, and youth organizations is the e-pal program which is similar in nature to the pen-pal program.  The goal of the program is to introduce the Bahamas to visitors even before they travel to the Bahamas.  And hopefully through this medium, group business will grow, as our e-pals travel to see our spectacular island and to meet their e-pals.

The Spousal program is another component of  People-to-People.  This component seeks to provide itineraries of things to do for spouses who have traveled  to Grand Bahama with their mates who may be attending a seminar or a conference.

It has been a while since the Ministry has embarked on a recruitment drive, and our aim is to attract persons from all professions, religions and civic organizations to be a part of the program.

In order to become a volunteer of the program  applicants are to love meeting and entertaining guests. Applicants are required to bring in two (2) character references and should be in possession of a valid driver’s license.  Volunteers will undergo an interview and residence inspection by the People-to-People coordinator. Application forms are available at the Ministry of Tourism’s Office Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In the past we have received numerous favorable comments, and thousands of our visitors have referred to their participation in the program as being the highlight of their visit to Grand Bahama Island.  When they leave, they take with them not only memories of a wonderful vacation, but a mutually enriching People-to-People experience.