As travelers begin to return to the region, the Caribbean’s leading destinations are devising new ways to attract them.
Right at the forefront is The Bahamas, which has been taking its sales and promotion efforts “virtual” amid the new realities of the travel industry.
The Bahamas has been hosting a series of “virtual” sales meetings with partners in the United States and Canada in a bid to keep the destination top of mind “for not only the travel trade but other business partners and suppliers.”
Without the ability to host traditional face-to-face interactions with its sales team, the country’s Ministry of Tourism quickly pivoted to online events, virtual trip simulations and live social media sessions.
“While grappling with the effects of COVID-19, all travel was put on hold”, said Director General Jibrilu. “But we remained committed to providing our travel suppliers, travel agent communities, key meeting planners and destination wedding planners, flying ambassadors, boating community and all of our other business partners with the resources and information they needed to assure new and returning guests, we would be ready once the world was ready to travel again. Now, more than ever, we need to show our partners just how important they are since we will be calling upon them to help bring tourists back to our shores, the moment it is safe to do so.”
The response has gotten “rave reviews,” officials said.
“It was very uplifting to hear from Director General Joy Jibrilu that The Islands Of The Bahamas will be safely opening soon to travelers from North America; getting to The Bahamas is so easy with nonstop flights from the U.S. – people can get from their home to the beach in a matter of hours,” said Bob Duglin, vice president of the International Membership & Host Agencies for the American Society of Travel Advisors.
It’s the “next normal” for the travel industry, and it’s accelerated the destination’s efforts in “further developing and leveraging digital resources and platforms,” the Ministry told Caribbean Journal.
— CJ