Having just returned from five days in the Bahamas, I can see why the various islands are so popular with Canadians. Surprisingly diverse, each island has its own ambience – so a trip taking in more than one can feel like two vacations.
“As far as tourism goes, we are 30 to 40% ahead of pre-covid stats,” The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation told a group of visiting journalists last week. “We have a very strong brand, and some great things in the pipeline, such as several new hotels in the next two years.”
It was great to be back and refresh my memory of these hospitable islands. So, what all did I learn?
1) The Bahamas is big. It covers an area of over 100,000 square miles. But of its 700 islands and countless cays (“keys”) only 30 are inhabited.
2) It’s close: NAS just 2 hours 55 minutes from YYZ.
3) There’s no shortage of accommodation of all stripes in Nassau and its neighbour Paradise Island (accessed across a bridge). Biggies include Baha Mar (which some locals describe as “Las Vegas”) and Atlantis (“Disney”). At the luxe end is the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort, with trademark impeccable service and a sublime setting along a sweep of white sand beach.
Clients interested in history should stay at – or at least visit - Graycliff, a 1700s mansion built for a British pirate in downtown Nassau. With just 20 rooms and fab resto, the Graycliff Hotel still evokes the feel of a private home. Even if it is also houses the 3rd largest wine cellar in the western hemisphere.
4) Seafood of course is king. Clients should check out conch (“conk”), served many ways and hugely popular with the locals.
5) It’s easy to get around between the islands – there are several carriers serving the out islands with fast and frequent service (our flight to Bimini took a mere 25 minutes). Other out islands popular with visitors include Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, the Exumas and Harbour Island.
6) People-to-People A wonderful way for visitors to connect with locals, the People-to-People program matches tourists with volunteer residents. Sample local food, visit Nassau’s famed straw market with a savvy local, experience some of the islands’ natural wonders. Anthia Butler, who is a 3rd generation People-to-People host, says she has matched local and visiting firefighters; baked bread with visitors; and when in college hosted other college students. A great family experience for clients travelling with their kids. Must be set up pre-travel with the Tourist Board office here.
7) Money: the Bahamian dollar (BSD) is permanently at par with the US. When you spend cash, you may get BSD in change. Tell clients to be sure to spend it before they come home as they won’t be able to change it outside the islands. Also: tips are frequently included in food and beverage bills so suggest to clients that they check when paying.
8) If clients are interested in renting a car in Nassau, let them know that driving is on the left (as in the UK). But most rental cars feature left hand drive (as in Canada) so that challenge – along with the dozens of traffic circles, or roundabouts - can take a bit of getting used to! For transfers and other transportation, I can recommend Bahamas Exquisite Transfers & Tours.
“We have a law that says while you are here you have to have a good time,” Arlene Nash-Ferguson, local linguist and wonderful character told us. A law that, I have to say, is more than easy to abide! Find out more at Bahamas.com.
