A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation is in New York as part of their global sales mission to key markets. The delegation is headed by minister responsible for Tourism and Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper.
Acting Director General of Tourism, Latia Duncombe is also on the mission and spoke with ZNS news about the importance of the New York market and the opportunities the mission presents. She said, “the New York market is very important to us. The missions give us an opportunity to reengage and reconnect with the trade, the travel trade media. In fact, its the largest city in state, when we look at the visitors that come to The Bahamas. It’s very important because The Bahamas is especially attractive to it. many of the visitors enjoy Nassau/Paradise Island, the cosmopolitan flair, but then they also enjoy the peace and tranquility of our Family Islands.”
Duncombe also mentioned the importance of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions or MICE and romance markets which are huge in the New York.
As to the importance of the various tourist offices which The Bahamas has around the world Ms. Duncombe says, “its important that we are able to touch, feel and also connect with not only the visitors abroad, but also the visitors locally. So internationally they connect with our air partners, our wholesalers, the trade, the traveling community, they are a resource to remain in the destination and also promote The Bahamas. And when we look at the local offices around our out islands, around our family of islands they’re there to ensure that we deliver on expectation. If there are needs they can be immediately addressed by our local offices.”
The mission’s New York stop includes a series of meetings with the media, travel trade and other stakeholders. Events are also planned to feature The Bahamas and answer questions from attendees.
