A look at what’s new in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is marking a major milestone and you’re invited to join in the festivities.

This summer will see the destination celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence, and tourism stakeholders are ensuring visitors are aware of the year-long calendar of events revolving around the landmark.

The milestone, officially recognized on July 10, will showcase the country’s culture and heritage, and presents an opportunity for the Bahamas to drive tourism growth.

“People are welcome to participate,” Latia Duncombe, director general of the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, said during a recent Toronto visit.

The upcoming golden jubilee celebrations will include such events as the National Family Island Sailing Regatta, the 50th on Bay Street Festival, and Bahama Rock, a celebration of Bahamian music.

The Bahamas has set a total visitor arrivals goal of 20% more than the 2019 banner year of 7.25 million and Duncombe — who says that her country has enjoyed 50 years of “stable democracy” — believes that the Bahamas can achieve that target this year.

The Bahamas has a large number of islands and cays, 30 of which are inhabited and 16 of which are promoted to tourists. “Each offers a unique experience,” Duncombe said.

Duncombe said the 16 islands can vary dramatically, with “truly pristine” San Salvador, for instance, home to “beautiful flamingoes” and 130 other species of birds.

Birdwatchers will also appreciate Andros while cosmopolitan Nassau is known for nightlife, she continued.

“Visitors can see multiple islands and have multiple vacation experiences on the same holiday,” added Paul Strachan, global communications director for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

Much of the Bahamas’ tourism trade revolves around beaches with white sand — and in the case of Harbour Island pink sand — that front what Duncombe labels “beautiful, amazing” aquamarine water.

But Duncombe said there can be other sides to a Bahamain holiday, including “authentic cultural experiences on every island” and adventure tourism that can include diving, kayaking and exploring caves.

For visitors traveling to the Bahamas, one of the newest accommodations options is Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, located on a stretch of beach in downtown Nassau.

The resort offers oceanfront rooms with unobstructed views of the water, a water park, a spa and wellness centre, and more than a dozen food and beverage options.

Also new is the upscale Goldwynn Resort and Residences on Cable Beach.

Authorities will be displaying the redone cruise port in May, with the US$300-million project providing a facility that will have some 62 vendors, restaurants and an “immersive Junkanoo experience.” Junkanoo is the Bahamas annual festival.

A new cruise port is slated to open on Grand Bahama Island in 2025.  That island is also gaining a new airport.

“There’s always something new,” Duncombe added.

Meanwhile, Strachan noted that non-stop year-round air service from Toronto makes his destination very accessible to Ontario residents.

“We like to say you can have breakfast in Toronto and brunch in the Bahamas,” he said.

Winter Bahamas service is available from such other cities as Montreal and Calgary.

For more information on the independence celebrations, visit https://celebrate-bahamas.com. More information on the destination in general can be found at bahamas.com.