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The Bahamas Launches Virtual People-To-People Experiences

NASSAU, Bahamas, April 20, 2021 –  Today, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is bringing the beloved People-to-People Program to the virtual stage through an online series that will create real-time connections for travelers to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Bahamian people. For more than 45 years, the People-to-People Program has been connecting visitors with locals through customized experiences throughout The Islands of The Bahamas.

With vaccinations on the rise and travel confidence steadily increasing, The Bahamas is looking forward to welcoming back travelers whenever they choose to visit. However, those who are not ready to travel just yet, will be pleased to know they do not have to miss out on an authentic Bahamas experience simply because they do not get on a plane.

We are living in a time where connection is needed most, and demand for vacations are at an all-time high. Consumers are especially craving interactions with the local people and culture that are found along the way during travel. These sessions are unique in that they are not just streamed viewing experiences offered to unlimited numbers of participants, or explored solo in 360-degree technology, but instead are curated to small intimate groups (of no more than five participants each) who will interface live with local hosts, allowing for real conversation and authentic connection through the sharing of Bahamian culture and traditions.

For the first time ever, consumers can indulge in the unique People-to-People Program from the comfort of their own homes. Available to book, beginning today, the Bahamas Virtual People-to-People Program offers five free virtual session themes where participants can cook, drink, dance and chat with local ambassadors in The Bahamas:

• Local Life 101: Sick of the news? Turn it off and take a walk with historian Arlene Nash Ferguson to learn about the culture and heritage of The Bahamas…and maybe even some tips on how to speak the colloquial language.
• Cooking Like a Local: Stuck in a pandemic cooking rut? Move over sourdough starter — wine and dine with ambassadors as they open the doors to their home kitchens and walk you through a step-by-step cooking session featuring one of their favorite Bahamian meals.
• Happy Hour Like a Local: We like to think everything is better in The Bahamas…and that includes Happy Hour! Shake up your afternoon, literally, by learning how to make the famous Bahama Mama cocktail.
• Walk and Talk with a Local: Need a change of scenery on your post-work stroll? Take in the sights and sounds of Bahamian sunsets, tropical landscapes and sandy beaches while engaging in conversation with locals who can give you the inside scoop on everything taking place on the islands.
• Dance Like a Local: Junkanoo: Looking to mix up your at-home workout routine? Learn how to move to the beat of The Bahamas with a dash of history through a step-by-step Junkanoo tutorial — an upbeat and beautifully choreographed dance deeply rooted in one of the country’s most celebrated traditions.

“The People-to-People Program offers travelers the unique opportunity to enter the homes of Bahamian citizens and truly immerse themselves in our culture,” said the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “We are proud to bring these experiences to the virtual stage and our ambassadors are thrilled to share their love of The Bahamas with travelers once again.”

The People-to-People Program has long been “matching” visitors, often entire families, with more than 500 Bahamian volunteers of similar ages and interests for a day or evening activity which could include boating, fishing, shopping at the local outdoor market, attending a local school or enjoying a “back-street tour.” More often, these experiences included visiting Bahamians in their home for a traditional meal of Peas ‘n Rice, fried fish and Guava Duff. The People-to-People encounters have resulted in lasting friendships between visitors and locals for decades and the Ministry of Tourism is thrilled to now be able to bring this special experience to homes across the globe virtually.

The Bahamas’ unique geography of over 700 islands and cays and 16 major island destinations makes it the ideal vacation spot for every type of traveler. Whether consumers are looking to indulge in the Bahamian culture through an in-person People-to-People experience or be transported to one of the country’s picturesque white-sand beaches virtually, there are endless opportunities available in The Bahamas.

Available for a limited time, wanderlusters can now book the free virtual sessions with People-to-People ambassadors here. For more information on booking in-person experiences, please visit Bahamas.com/People-to-People.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Resume Port Calls to Belize in August

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Thursday, 15 April, 2021: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced last week that it will resume port calls to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize, on August 9, 2021.  Norwegian Joy will depart from its home port in Montego Bay, Jamaica on August 7, and will include Belize as a part of its week-long Western Caribbean itinerary.

The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board welcome this Return to Service announcement from NCL, as it signals the safe reopening of the cruise tourism sector in Belize. It has been over a year since the cruise industry in our region has been suspended, and the thousands of Belizeans that work in this sector are ready to welcome cruise guests to our shores once again.

Vaccinations are being rolled out to the tourism workforce in Belize, and an increase in tourism businesses in the cruise sector continue to meet the requirements for the Gold Standard Certification (Belize’s Health and Safety Management Program for the Tourism Sector). With the collaboration of the private sector and relevant government agencies, Belize has also developed health and safety protocols that support the safe restart of cruising to Belize.

Cruise lines have also developed health and safety protocols and have carried thousands of passengers successfully on cruises in Europe and Asia in recent months. NCL will use their SailSAFE Health and Safety Program to ensure the safety of guests while aboard and onshore. As a part of these measures, NCL will require mandatory vaccination of all crew and guests. Each destination on the itinerary will also be operating with enhanced protocols. The ships have undergone extensive renovations such as upgraded medical grade air filtration systems on board, upgraded medical facilities, revamped layout of activity areas to meet social distancing and enhanced sanitizing stations, to name a few.

NCL’s President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer said, “Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback. We have been working diligently towards our resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety at the forefront. The growing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer. The vaccine, combined with our science-backed health and safety protocols, will help us provide our guests with what we believe will be the healthiest and safest vacation at sea.”

The return of cruise tourism is a very important step in Belize’s efforts to recover the economy. Last month, NCL donated more than $225,000 in dry goods and foods to benefit Belizean families and other southern communities in the Stann Creek District and Belize City. The donation helped local citizens economically impacted by the effects of the global pandemic. As the sector continues to prioritize the health and safety of both guests and locals, Belize is committed to the ongoing monitoring and preparation required to welcome additional cruise calls in the coming months.

Frontier Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights Between Miami and Nassau

NASSAU, The Bahamas – April 15, 2021 – Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) today announces plans to begin service at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in the Bahamas with nonstop Miami flights beginning in July 2021.

“We’re thrilled to add Nassau to our route map with nonstop Miami flights beginning this summer,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “This world-class destination is known for its beautiful beaches, countless outdoor activities and is a great place to make unforgettable memories with family and friends this summer and we’re excited to offer Bahamians a low-fare way to Miami.”

“We are looking forward to offering high frequency options for flights to The Bahamas for our neighbors in Miami on Frontier Airlines,” said the Hon. Dionsio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “The market is one that remains a high priority and we are excited to welcome visitors to our beautiful shores with convenient flight options this summer.”

New Route via Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS):

SERVICE TO/FROM         SERVICE START          SERVICE FREQUENCY
Miami (MIA)                      June 24, 2021              4x Weekly

Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.

Frontier is focused on more than low fares. The carrier offers customers the ability to customize travel to their needs and budget. For example, customers can purchase options a la carte or in one low-priced bundle called the WORKS. This bundle includes refundability, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, the best available seat, waived change fees, and priority boarding.

The airline’s frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles, lets members enjoy many benefits as well as the ability to attain Elite status. Like the airline, FRONTIER Miles is family friendly, and the program makes it easy for families to enjoy the rewards together, including family pooling of miles. FRONTIER Miles is aptly named because you earn one mile for every mile flown – no funny formulas at Frontier. Whether customers travel a little or a lot, they will find FRONTIER Miles rewarding.

The health and safety of customers and team members is Frontier’s number one priority. With that in mind, Frontier introduced sweeping health and safety enhancements in 2020 that touch every step of a customer’s travel journey with the airline.

Frontier requires all customers and crew members wear a face covering throughout their travel journey. Plus, anyone flying with Frontier must complete a health acknowledgement prior to flying confirming that:

• Neither they nor anyone in their household has exhibited Covid-19 related symptoms in the last 14 days
• They will wash their hands/sanitize before boarding the flight
• They understand and acknowledge the airline’s face covering policy and pre-boarding temperature screening policies

During flight, main cabin air is a mix of fresh air drawn from outside and air that has been passed through an air filtration system that features HEPA filters capable of capturing respiratory virus particles at more than 99.9% efficiency – similar to those used in hospital environments. Frontier’s modern all-Airbus fleet is among the youngest in the world, with an average age of approximately four years.

For additional information, visit https://www.flyfrontier.com/committed-to-you/

Antigua Sailing Week Goes Virtual

St John’s Antigua – Antigua Sailing Week is pleased to announce Sailing Week Sunday – a virtual event with stories, interviews and entertainment transmitting from Antigua on April 25, 2021.

Annually the international coverage of Antigua Sailing Week places Antigua & Barbuda as an unparalleled destination for an active lifestyle. With 2022 on the horizon the event is taking this opportunity to begin to build momentum for what will certainly be a bumper year.

Event manager Rana Lewis stated, “In the void created by the 2020 cancellation we relied on social media flashbacks to previous years to maintain visibility and our spot on the calendar. After the cancellation of 2021 we sensed the need to interact with our worldwide audience in real time while sharing the highlights of racing in Antigua & Barbuda. Essentially it is our way of extending an invitation to come as soon as is safely possible to race, chase and celebrate with us.”

The virtual 2 hour event aims to connect and reconnect with an audience who are longtime supporters and participants of Antigua Sailing Week, their friends who have heard great things about it as well as fans of the sport and the destination – any of whom may be considering Antigua & Barbuda as an active or leisure vacation option.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is excited to be a part of Sailing Week Sunday and have partnered with luxury 5-star beachside property the Carlisle Bay Resort. Situated in the south-west of Antigua on a palm fringed crescent beach with a backdrop of emerald rainforest, the hotel is the ultimate in luxury.

Social media followers of Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Barbuda Tourism www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda who log on and tune in to Sailing Week Sunday will find out how to win one of 2 great trips to stay at Carlisle Bay for 4 nights. Flights are included from the United Kingdom, North American and Caribbean markets for two lucky couples or friends.

“A flagship event for Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua Sailing Week plays an important role within the yachting pillar of our tourism marketing strategy. This event allows for the creation of jobs and revenue and as such the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority remains committed to supporting Antigua Sailing Week,” said CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James.

Sailing Week Sunday will be aired from 4pm – 6pm AST / 9pm – 11 pm BST on Sunday 25^th April via social media channels Facebook.com/Sailingweek and YouTube – Antigua Sailing Week.

Following Sailing Week Sunday, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority will virtually host the Antigua Sailing Week Lay Day on April 28 via social media channel – www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda

Additionally, audiences can look forward to further exciting initiatives announced weeklong through social media.