PRESS RELEASE

NASSAU, Bahamas (12 March 2023) – The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will lead a delegation of top tourism executives to Seatrade Cruise Global Conference, the world's largest cruise industry event with the aim of fortifying the sector and increasing cruise tourism business.  
The four-day conference, 27 – 30 March, will take place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  
Now in its 38th year and under the theme “Forward Momentum”, the conference will bring together government officials, tourism stakeholders, industry suppliers and cruise executives from over 100 countries to analyse trends and discuss current pressing issues of the cruise industry.
“Without a doubt, cruising is one of the exciting ways to see the beautiful islands of The Bahamas,” said DPM Cooper.
“Having had to pivot our tourism plans during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now capitalising on all our efforts for continued robust tourism rebound in all sectors of our economy including cruising. And even as The Bahamas prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee of Independence, our attendance at Seatrade Conference this year is much more consequential. We have heightened our focus on the future of cruising and implementing plans that will position The Bahamas to exponentially increase its share of the cruise market over the long term.”
On Monday evening, 27 March, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will co-sponsor the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Business on the Beach Reception for 700 VIP cruise executives at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Guests can expect a Bahamian cultural explosion including live Bahamian music by the Lassie Doh Boys, a Junkanoo rushout and sampling of Bahamian cuisine and signature drinks.
In 2022, The Bahamas received 5.39 million cruise visitors. The Bahamas is home to nine ports of call: Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, Princess Cays, Half Moon Cay, Coco Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay and Ocean Cay.
Seatrade Cruise Global draws more than 500 exhibitors and is organised by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to facilitate discussion by cruise and maritime experts and decision makers on tourism development, including ports of call, safety, and security.
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About The Bahamas
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.