Melissa Wallace of WestJet Vacations with the entertaining Ambrose Morris of the Bahamas Tourist Board
Agents enjoying some of the Old Mill's famous hospitality
“Welcome to the Islands of the Bahamas…..not!” was the warmly-received greeting from Ambrose Morris of the Bahamas Tourist Office to some 50 travel agents at a recent travel agent dinner in Toronto. The night was a blustery one and just walking from the parking lot or the subway was enough to convince any travel agent that the rush for winter bookings was officially on.
The venue? The ever-classy and charming Old Mill Restaurant. A landmark in the city’s west end, the Old Mill has been hosting memorable functions for generations.
The message? An update and re-cap of the Islands’ attractions and hotels along with exciting news of WestJet Vacations’ newest destination: Great Exuma.
Offered via Nassau with Bahamasair connection to the island, the program features (no surprise here) the “new” Sandals, formerly the Four Seasons. “And our promise to put your clients up in a hotel if the flight is delayed – even if it’s Mother Nature’s fault,” explained Melissa Walker of WestJet Vacations.
Another good tip came from Vinincia Strachan, the Director of Romance (!) for the Bahamas Tourist Board. A certified wedding planner and someone who clearly has a passion for nuptials, from the traditional to the unconventional (how does “I do” sound underwater?), she surprised a number of the agents by pointing out that you need only 24 hours residence to get married. Don’t forget you can add uniquely Bahamian touches to a wedding by arranging to have local crafts as guest gifts, including Androsia batik fabrics.
But my favourite comment came from Ambrose. Nassau is home to the fun and interesting Pirates’ Museum, a great family attraction. (Did you know some of the most notorious pirates were ladies?) But Ambrose pointed out that pirates still exist…in Nassau’s legendary straw market. Now that’s telling it like it is!
And while we’re on the subject of Bahamians who aren’t afraid to ‘tell it like it is’ -- newly appointed Director General of Tourism for the Islands of the Bahamas, David L. Johnson, is a breath of fresh air. When Director Johnson recently addressed a small group of journalists in Toronto, he recounted having cut his teeth in the business here in Canada in the early 70’s when travel to the Caribbean was a luxury. The afro-coiffed young David introduced frigid Canadians to the pleasures of a Gumbay Summer. (I remember them well!)
According to Nina Slawek who attended the luncheon, “It was extremely refreshing to meet a tourism director who truly understands the inner workings of the travel industry.”
With the Bahamas Tourist Office in such experienced hands, will we soon see a resurrection of the well loved “It’s Better In The Bahamas” slogan?
