The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, New York Yankees promote sustainable tourism

In an exciting collaboration, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism joined the New York Yankees to support Bahamian baseball star Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the Yankees’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This partnership aims to highlight Chisholm’s achievements in the field and promote awareness of Bahamian tourism.

By aligning with a major sports franchise, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism seeks to enhance its marketing efforts and reinforce the Islands of The Bahamas’ reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.
This initiative underlines the importance of sports as a platform for promoting the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Bahamas while also emphasizing sustainable practices in the tourism division.

In reflecting upon the many ways that tourism brings people together, I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Bahamas, said in a statement, “We are fortunate to live in one of the most remarkable nations, where the beauty of our environment is truly exceptional. The growth of our tourism sector is a shared responsibility for all Bahamians, much like the pride we collectively feel in celebrating our nation’s accomplishments. Together, we build on our progress and embrace the rewards it brings. We have deployed aggressive strategies to grow our industry over the past several years. I thank Team Tourism globally for executing the challenge.”

The New York Yankees play Pittsburgh Pirates at the New York Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.Photo by Orlande Fleury

The increase in tourism in The Bahamas is a promising outlook. It is experiencing a remarkable increase in tourism, with preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism revealing a 19 percent rise in sea arrivals during the first eight months of the year compared to 2023 and air arrivals also saw a modest increase of 2.1 percent in the same time-frame.

Over the past seven decades, The Bahamas has leveraged its stunning natural beauty to establish itself as a world-class tourism hub. In 2023, the islands welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, solidifying tourism as the backbone of the Bahamian economy.

In an interview with Caribbean Life Newspaper, Latia Duncombe, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation states, “In the Bahamas, tourism is our primary industry, contributing over 65 percent to the economy. It serves as the cornerstone of our economic vitality, and we have successfully managed this sector for decades. We maintain offices in the United States, UK, and Canada.  No matter what type of experience you seek, the Bahamas is the ideal destination for visitors.”

The commitment to delivering a high-quality visitor experience is evident among stakeholders throughout the tourism industry. From hoteliers to tour operators and front-line employees, everyone is dedicated to ensuring that The Bahamas remains a memorable and sustainable destination.

This dedication has not gone unnoticed; The Bahamas recently received several prestigious awards, including the Caribbean Destination Resilience Award from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in partnership with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST). Additionally, the islands were recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024 and the Caribbean’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 by the World Travel Awards.
Mario Bowleg, The Bahamas minister of Youth Sports and Culture, stated in an interview with Caribbean Life that “as the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, he has dedicated his life to uplift, empower and change the lives of young men and children in the Bahamas. As the purpose of the Youth, Sports and Culture is to enhance the well-being of young people in the Bahamas economically, physically and culturally.”

As The Bahamas continues to thrive as a tourism destination, its commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage will play a crucial role in attracting visitors and fostering economic growth for years to come.