The Bahamas’ marketing campaigns, most glamor islands, resorts and dive offerings named best in travel
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas was awarded numerous travel awards in 2020 despite seeing a falloff in tourism numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation noted.
In a statement, the ministry said: “Despite an unprecedented year, The Bahamas continues to position itself as a leading Caribbean travel destination and received top accolades from consumer, trade and niche vertical award shows. With its unique geography of 16 major islands and hundreds of cays, the islands appeal to travelers eager to get away and indulge in a secluded vacation.
“As the island nation looks back at 2020, with a number of awards from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Caribbean Journal under its belt, The Bahamas is determined to have an even brighter 2021.”
Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu added: “We are thrilled to have The Bahamas recognized in so many awards, despite the difficult year our tourism industry faced. These awards certify that The Bahamas remains a favorite among travelers, and we are eager to continue to welcome them back in the new year.”
The tourism ministry’s “Still Rockin’” campaign was awarded the best destination advertising/marketing campaign in Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the campaign highlighted The Bahamas’ 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country’s record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019. Additionally, the ministry’s “From The Bahamas With Love” campaign was awarded silver in the Destination Marketing TV Commercial category. The digital campaign was voiced by Lenny Kravitz, with the message that together we can get through difficult times and get back to normalcy. The TV spot brought hope to the homebound with images of The Bahamas’ crystal-clear water.
The Abacos, Harbour Island, the Exumas and Eleuthera were recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards in the Top 25 Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas category. Andros’ Kamalame Cay Resort was awarded in the Top 100 Hotels in the World and Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels categories.
Four Bahamian hotels were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. Kamalame Cay, Rosewood Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar were included in the Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic Islands category.
In Caribbean Journal’s seventh annual Caribbean Travel Awards, The Bahamas was awarded Innovative Destination of the Year for its continued flexibility throughout the pandemic and setting a standard for destination entry practices. Additionally, Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport was named Caribbean Airport of the Year and Graycliff was recognized as the Caribbean Restaurant of the Year.
The country was also recognized in this year’s Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, with placements highlighting the destination’s vast dive offerings across 700 islands and cays. The Bahamas was voted number one for Best Big Animals; placed in the top five for Best Overall Destination, Best Cave Diving, Best Snorkeling and Best Value; and placed in the top 10 for Best Wreck Diving, Best Wall Diving, Best Advanced Diving, Best Photography, Best Shore Diving, Best Macro Life and Best Health of Marine Life.
