The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, led by Dionisio D’Aguilar along with leading industry executives from Atlantis, Baha Mar, The Pointe and Majestic Tours, took media outlets and tour operators in Beijing and Shanghai on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of The Bahamas, solidifying its message that ‘The Bahamas is a viable destination for Chinese tourists’.
“This is the ideal time for The Bahamas to capitalize on promotional marketing efforts as Chinese tourists are searching for new and exciting destinations to visit,” said Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Tourism Ellison Thompson.
In less than two decades, China has become the world’s most powerful outbound market in travel, leapfrogging over the USA. According to the United Nation’s World Travel Organization (UNTWO) in 2016, Chinese tourists spent more than $261.1 billion in travel, and that number is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years.
“Chinese tourists are critical players in the global tourism arena, and our presence here is just one of many efforts to offer and further promote the multiple and diverse islands of The Bahamas to this important group of travelers and simultaneously, work with China’s local media and travel influencers in ensuring that our message is resonated loud and clear to their audiences,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of Tourism.
American Airlines is also expected to launch shortly, heavily discounted airline tickets for Chinese citizens travelling to The Bahamas via the United States.
Tourism and hospitality professionals who joined the Ministry of Tourism on the China expedition included Wendy Blaney, Sr. Vice President of Sales for Atlantis Resort; Russell Miller, Senior Vice President and General Manager with responsibility for the Cove and Reef properties; Robert Sands, Sr. Vice President of Administration and External Relations for Baha Mar; Karin Salinas, Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar; Daniel Lu, President of The Pointe and B.J Saunders, Majestic Tours.
“Traveling great distances to promote The Bahamas is no easy task, but it speaks volumes that our local partners are here and recognize the importance of missions such as these to our domestic tourism product,” Jibrilu said.
“This is only the beginning of a truly remarkable partnership between The Bahamas and China, and we are so excited about the endless future opportunities,” Jibrilu concluded.
