Patricia “Smiling Pat” Hoyte spent a lifetime in the tourism and entertainment industry, providing entertainment during her childhood years, in the world famous International Bazaar, along with her siblings. She was the eldest child of noted musician and steel pan manufacturer, the late Leslie “Little Sparrow” Hoyte Sr., and his wife Mary.

Her unique tours attracted the notice of the international media along the way; and some of her singular accomplishments featured on various television programs, including the Food Network, and the Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama Island promotional video. She has been credited with very favourable reviews from her customers on Trip Advisor.com.

Miss Hoyte gained valuable experience working in the tourism sector, for established tour operators in Freeport, for fifteen years prior to establishing her own tour company, Smiling Pat’s Freeport Adventures. Her innovative approach to delivering destination experiences included heritage and treasure island type adventures in the McLean’s Town, East End, Sunset Village, Eight Mile Rock and the Settlement of West End, Grand Bahama Island.

An ever present tour guide on each Adventure, she led her guests in unique activities, such as crab crawling, private Bahamian Chef for the night, fish fry Cat Island Style, banana boat rides, snorkeling, as well as sunset wine and cheese cruises, and church visitations.

Recently, when she returned to her native Cat Island, the Adventures continued. Smiling Pat added social media marketing to her expertise. She transformed herself as an online tourism ambassador on social media, actively posting messages on Facebook, right up to the time of her passing. She was a beloved BahamaHost, who will be sadly missed.

On behalf of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Tourist Office extends deepest condolences to the bereaved Hoyte family. May her soul rest in peace.

The Bahamas loses tourism ambassador, "Smiling Pat"