DESTINATIONS
People power
As the Bahamas’ People to People cultural exchange programme marks its 50th anniversary, Vivienne Dovi finds out how it can enrich a winter stay
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travelweekly.co.uk
efore I landed in the Bahamas, I was excited to revel in the clichés: becoming a beach bum with a backdrop of white sand and glassy waters, sipping a Bahama Mama cocktail and munching a conch fritter or two. But I also wanted to delve deeper into island life. That led me to the People to People programme, a
cultural exchange initiative that connects visitors with Bahamian locals, known as ambassadors, offering a personal lens on the country. Travellers fill out a simple form covering details about their trip and their interests – anything from fishing to fashion – and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism pairs them with a local volunteer. Solo travellers, groups and families are all welcome. The initiative began in 1975 and was created with the aim of helping ease visitors into Bahamian culture, as well as encouraging authentic interaction. It started in Nassau and expanded to Grand Bahama a year later, and since then has grown into a nationwide programme with more than 800 certified ambassadors across 10 islands. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 visitors took part. A virtual arm was launched during the Covid pandemic, with small- group sessions such as cocktail making and cooking classes keeping the spirit of exchange alive.
A WARM WELCOME I visited two islands, Nassau and Exuma, which both participate in the programme. In Exuma, there are 40 ambassadors who host visitors in cultural, culinary and nature-based experiences: fish fries with live music, picnics on secluded beaches or seeing iguanas basking in the sun on nearby cays.
The initiative began in 1975 and
was created with the aim of helping ease visitors into Bahamian culture, as well as encouraging interaction
My journey began in Nassau over cocktails and seafood chowder at Wild Thyme Restaurant with lifelong residents Rhondi Treco, assistant manager of the People to People programme, and Quinn Munnings, who leads the performing arts and modern languages departments at a local high school. They welcomed me with warmth and stories about the Bahamas, their community and what drew them to the programme. “I signed up in 2012,” Quinn explained between courses. “I love the Bahamas and wanted people²
THE BAHAMAS | WINTER SUN
4 SEPTEMBER 2025
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