The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is making waves with an ambitious new push to strengthen ties with its largest U.S. travel market—Florida. With a rapidly rising number of U.S. arrivals from cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Boca Raton, The Bahamas is set to launch a series of targeted regional sales and marketing missions. These missions are more than promotional visits—they are a cornerstone of The Bahamas’ broader strategy to position its 16 island destinations as unique, year-round experiences for travelers, investors, and tourism stakeholders alike.
Led by Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper and Director General Latia Duncombe, the delegation will host high-impact events in Florida on June 10 and 11. Their mission is clear: to turn momentum into long-term growth by engaging directly with the U.S. market that contributes significantly to The Bahamas’ economic and tourism success. With a new campaign—“It’s not one island, it’s a lifetime of them”—already in motion, the Ministry’s vision is to position The Bahamas not just as a vacation spot but as a multi-island journey worth revisiting again and again.
This strategic outreach, complete with live cultural showcases and stakeholder engagements, aims to strengthen trade ties, boost booking conversions, and showcase the vibrant diversity of experiences available across the Bahamian archipelago.
Florida: The Bahamas’ Closest and Most Lucrative U.S. Market
With direct flights from Florida cities to several Bahamian islands, the geographic proximity and cultural affinity between the two destinations have always underpinned strong travel flows. In January and February 2025, the Miami–Ft. Lauderdale designated market area (DMA) recorded the highest number of U.S. arrivals to The Bahamas—a strong signal of demand and interest.
Key data highlights:
- Continued year-over-year growth from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Boca Raton
- Florida remains the top source of U.S. visitors
- Increased consumer interest in multi-island travel itineraries
According to the Ministry, this new mission is designed to leverage this demand and transform it into lasting tourism partnerships, business opportunities, and multi-destination travel experiences.
Engaging Florida’s Travel Industry: A Strategic, Multi-Level Approach
To ensure maximum impact, the Bahamian delegation is engaging with an expansive network of tourism professionals, including:
- Tour operators and wholesalers
- Travel agents and booking platforms
- Airline representatives
- Media and travel journalists
- Potential investors and corporate partners
These business-to-business (B2B) sessions will include product showcases, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking events designed to inform and excite partners about the full tourism potential of The Bahamas.
DG Latia Duncombe emphasized the value of these missions, stating that each engagement “drives booking potential, unlocks new trade opportunities, and strengthens tourism’s contribution to national development.”
The Ministry’s approach also highlights new areas of interest, including:
- Boutique accommodations
- Eco-tourism and sustainability
- Cultural heritage travel
- Niche markets such as weddings, yachting, and culinary tourism
Showcasing Bahamian Culture in Florida: More Than Just Business
What sets The Bahamas apart isn’t just its beaches or luxury resorts—it’s the authentic culture that pulses through every island. The Florida mission is intentionally designed to reflect this. Each event will feature immersive cultural activations, including:
- Local Bahamian cuisine served by renowned chefs
- Signature tropical cocktails highlighting local spirits
- Live Junkanoo performances, offering guests a lively taste of Bahamian tradition
- Bahamian music, storytelling, and artisan displays
These experiences are meant to leave a lasting impression on attendees, creating emotional connections that go beyond brochures and business cards. The goal: to make potential partners and travelers feel the soul of The Bahamas, no matter where they are.
The “Lifetime of Islands” Vision: Beyond a Single Vacation
Central to this renewed marketing push is the campaign, “It’s not one island, it’s a lifetime of them.” The Ministry is emphasizing that The Bahamas is not a one-time destination, but a journey through diverse islands, each with its own character, history, cuisine, and adventure.
The 16 main island destinations being highlighted include:
- Nassau & Paradise Island – The cultural and economic capital
- Grand Bahama Island – A hub of eco-tourism and community tourism
- The Exumas – Home to the famous swimming pigs and blue holes
- Eleuthera & Harbour Island – Renowned for pink sand beaches and chic island life
- Abaco Islands – Popular with boaters and nature lovers
- Andros – The largest island, known for diving and blue holes
- Bimini – A quick escape, known for big-game fishing and Hemingway lore
- Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Crooked Island, Acklins, Inagua, and Mayaguana – Unspoiled, quiet islands perfect for off-the-grid exploration
Each of these islands offers a distinctive experience, allowing repeat travelers to enjoy something new every visit—whether it’s island-hopping by ferry, diving into marine reserves, or discovering local crafts and festivals.
Driving Sustainable Tourism and Investment
Sustainability is at the heart of the Ministry’s tourism strategy. This Florida mission aims not only to drive visitor numbers but to attract investment in areas aligned with the Bahamas’ long-term growth objectives.
Investment priorities include:
- Eco-resorts and green tourism infrastructure
- Community-based tourism enterprises
- Cultural heritage preservation projects
- Marinas and cruise-friendly developments
- Air connectivity enhancements
As DPM Cooper stated, “We are forging a future where tourism fuels sustainable growth.” The Ministry is also using these missions to encourage more direct bookings through Bahamian-owned platforms and accommodations, helping to channel revenue more equitably into local communities.
Expanding Air Connectivity and Multi-Destination Travel
To support the increasing demand from Florida, The Bahamas is working closely with airlines and aviation partners to expand route options, improve flight frequencies, and enhance regional accessibility.
Recent efforts include:
- Exploring new air service agreements
- Promoting multi-destination Caribbean travel itineraries
- Enhancing airport infrastructure on key islands
- Strengthening public-private partnerships in aviation and logistics
The Ministry’s Aviation Department is taking an integrated approach to ensure that airspace management, customs processing, and traveler experiences remain seamless as traffic increases.
Strengthening Bahamian–Florida Ties Through Tourism Diplomacy
Beyond bookings and flights, the Florida mission also serves as a diplomatic endeavor, reinforcing the long-standing economic and cultural relationship between Florida and The Bahamas. With shared maritime history, vibrant diaspora communities, and trade partnerships, tourism serves as a bridge connecting the two regions.
By nurturing this relationship through regular engagement and shared goals, The Bahamas positions itself not just as a destination—but as a partner.
Conclusion: The Bahamas Is Ready for a New Chapter in Florida
With the “Lifetime of Islands” campaign, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is delivering a bold message: this isn’t just a vacation—it’s a vision for the future of tourism in the region. By leaning into authenticity, sustainability, and strategic growth, The Bahamas is inviting Florida’s travelers, travel professionals, and investors to play a vital role in its story.
As the delegation wraps up its mission in Florida, one thing is clear—the spirit of The Bahamas is not confined to its shores. It’s reaching out, vibrant and alive, across borders, seeking deeper connections and a stronger future.
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