FEATURE BAHAMAS
economic recovery in the UK market,
which is showing flat visitor numbers. However numbers for our cruise visitors are growing strongly, with a 17% increase so far year on year. For many Britons the first taste of the Bahamas is disembarking on one of the private islands and cays frequented by cruise ships. “One of our challenges is extending
travel agent and consumer awareness of the range of holidays available throughout our 16 main islands. This is a challenge we are addressing with our 16 Islands Wedding Invitation to find 16 couples to marry on the 16 islands simultaneously on May 16 2012, at 16.00. “We are also working with Kuoni to
offer more holiday packages to the islands and developing training to provide the knowledge needed to sell these new possibilities."
From the Front Line CASEY HURFORD
product manager North America/Caribbean, Funway Holidays
“We are seeing strong sales for Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Offshore Island and high demand for Sandals Grande Emerald Bay due to free flight offers between Nassau and Georgetown in Great Exuma and fantastic room discounts. “The Bahamas offers plenty to do,
allowing clients to make their holiday as relaxing or as adventurous as they choose. For 2012, we will continue to promote Bahamas twin-centre itineraries featuring Sandals Resorts. The trade can expect some fantastic tactical offers."
KATHERINE HOBBS product manager, Caribtours “Our most popular
resorts are One & Only Ocean Club and Atlantis on Paradise Island and, in the Out Islands, Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma and Pink Sands on Harbour Island. The great thing about the Bahamas is its diversity – with so many islands, it can offer whatever kind of holiday clients are looking for. Our product gives visitors the chance to holiday on the more developed New Providence or escape to a luxury resort on the Out Islands. This seems to suit clients so we have no plans to add any new properties.”
SARAH JACKSON Caribbean market manager, Kuoni “The Bahamas is
relatively flat, with all-inclusive properties generally selling and room-only options down. The Bahamian islands each offer something different. International
glamour on Nassau and Paradise Island, historic charm on Grand Bahama, little bits of paradise on the outer islands, with stunning beaches and diving. For 2012, we are exploring twin- centre options,
pairing the Bahamas with cities in the US.
LISA BARNES branch manager, Ulverston, Co-op Travel “Having first-hand
experience of the Bahamas is an asset when selling as I can bring the islands to life for customers. It’s an all-round destination, good for couples, families, the luxury market, watersport enthusiasts, with a range of accommodation across the islands. “Customers perceive it as expensive
From left: the stunning colours of Exuma; the smile that says it all; One and Only Ocean Club
20 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
and a lack of direct flights has an impact. I enjoyed my stay – great beaches, accommodation and weather, and a lot of history and culture”
Where To Book It ELEGANT RESORTS – 01244 897538
www.elegantresorts.co.uk The operator has two hotels on Paradise Island in the Bahamas – the One & Only Ocean Club and The Cove Atlantis on Paradise Island. Prices from £2,930pp room-only for a Garden View room at the One & Only including flights.
PREMIER HOLIDAYS – 08444 937531
www.trade.
premierholidays.co.uk Two hotels in the
Bahamas are featured: the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort in Cable
Beach and the Reef Atlantis studios and suites on Paradise
Island. Prices start from £1,399pp room-only
for seven nights at the Sheraton Nassau Beach, including flights.
THOMAS COOK SIGNATURE 0844 871 0678,
www.tcs4agents.com Six featured hotels in the Bahamas include the Sheraton Nassau, Rui Paradise and Sandals Grand Bahamian. Seven nights at three-star SuperClubs Breezes in Cable Beach is from £1,329pp all-inclusive, including flights.
THOMSON TAILORMADE 0871 664 0273
www.thomsontailormade.com Five resorts in the Bahamas include the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island on Cable Beach and Atlantis on Paradise Island. Prices are from £1,079pp, B&B, for seven nights at the three-star Comfort Suites on Paradise Island including flights.
Room Report With more than 250 places to stay, and accommodation ranging from large family-friendly all-inclusives to value-for- money guesthouses, the Bahamas has something to suit all clients and budgets. The most famous property is the
Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, on account of its Disney-esque looks and size – more than 2,300 rooms and suites, 18 restaurants, a casino and lagoon – but a lot of popular accommodation is on Cable Beach, close to the nightlife in Nassau, the capital, and the airport. There is a mix of accommodation on Grand Bahama, the second-largest island, and intimate boutique hotels in the outer islands. New properties include Firefly Sunset Resort in Hope Town on Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands and Carriearl, a four-bedroom boutique property on the Berry Islands.
Who Flies There BRITISH AIRWAYS – 0844 493 0787
www.ba.com •
Selling Tip
Go for Twins: inter-island flights make it easy to combine nassau with a stay in Grand Bahama
ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS
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