NASSAU, Bahamas (August 30. 2022) – Key sales and marketing, aviation and expert industry partners  converged on Grand Bahama for a 4-day Bahamas Gateway FBO Fam Trip hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) Vertical Markets Department in collaboration with host resort the Grand Lucayan. The familiarization visit took place 25 – 28 August and highlighted the unique characteristics of Grand Bahama Island and showcased the island’s diverse activities and opportunities available to private pilots.

Fam trip participants included a group of 35 persons comprising fixed based operators (FBO), customers service managers and Bahamas Flying Ambassadors, who were all given a firsthand experience of the destination.

The FBO familiarization trip provided an opportunity for private aviation partners to participate in site inspections and conduct meetings to plan the upcoming 2023 Grand Bahama Air Show – which will also mark celebrations of The Bahamas 50th Independence. The much-anticipated air show is slated for 25 - 29 May during the U.S. Memorial Day weekend and will highlight authentic cultural activities along with spectacular performances of aerobatics, low-flying maneuvers over the world-renowned Taino Beach.

A special feature of the fam trip also covered the induction of three new ambassadors into the Bahamas Flying Ambassador Programme when senior Flying Ambassadors were honoured and recognised. The Ambassadors are seasoned aviators who represent The Bahamas by conducting Flying to The Bahamas seminars and acting as leads in flyouts to and around the country.

Despite recent setbacks and challenges caused by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in Grand Bahama remains high. During the trip, aviation stakeholders were given a destination update on conducting business on the island and the ease of flying to and around The Bahamas to relay to their customers, readers and clients.

A General Aviation Council meeting took place to discuss aviation needs and concerns and determine the path forward. The BMOTIA continues to work with Bahamas Customs and private pilots, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), to gauge feedback on the Click2Clear digital platform and ensure a seamless and user-friendly programme is implemented. Testing of the programme is currently underway in order to minimise the time it takes to process declarations required to enter the country.

The Bahamas is the leading destination for general aviation in the Caribbean and on the Eastern Seaboard.

For more information, visit Bahamas.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.