Press Releases

12.09.09

BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES CASINO TAKE OVER ON GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

Upgrades and Innovation a Key Part of New Casino at Grand Bahama’s Our Lucaya Resort

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Nov. 2, 2009 - As part of the strategic initiatives to bolster the Grand Bahama tourism industry, the Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, The Bahamas’ Minister of Tourism & Aviation, has announced that Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts will take over operation of Our Lucaya Resort’s casino on or before Nov. 23, 2009. The transition from Isle of Capri to Treasure Bay Casino will begin on Nov. 16, 2009, following the conclusion of the licensing process and an operating plan.

Biloxi, Miss.-based Treasure Bay will bring in upgraded equipment as well as innovation, excitement and a vibrant marketing program to the casino. Apart from some employees who have elected to accept severance benefits at this time, the remainder of the staff will continue in the employment of Treasure Bay.

“This positive development comes at a perfect time as expanded airlift from Canada, New York, and Florida is commencing into Grand Bahama Island,” said Minister Vanderpool-Wallace. The Minister expressed appreciation to Isle of Capri for having extended their exit in order to achieve a seamless transfer to Treasure Bay.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

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Media Contacts:

Angela Cavis
Weber Shandwick
(212) 445-8387
acavis@webershandwick.com

Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(954) 236-9292
ajohnson@bahamas.com

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10.09.09

What’s New in The Islands Of The Bahamas

From new air service to Nassau to the re-opening of the renowned Tiamo Resort, exciting things are happening on the tropical shores of The Islands Of The Bahamas. The following are some highlights of the new developments, special offers and activities in The Bahamas…

This fall, hotels and resorts throughout Nassau/Paradise Island are offering travelers special deals starting as little as $79. Rates are based on double occupancy, per night (www.bahamas.com/offers).

Knowledgeable and helpful tourism ambassadors in bright green “Ask Me” vests have been dispatched into the streets of downtown Nassau to provide personal attention in identifying attractions and addressing questions from visitors.

The Bahamas launched Club Grand Bahama, the first island-inclusive vacation experience, which includes accommodations at one of five resorts, roundtrip airport transfers, a shuttle bus service to 50 activities, a choice of up to 21 dining venues for breakfast and dinner each day, plus special beach parties, casino gaming and shopping discounts (www.clubgrandbahama.com).

Opening Jan. 22, 2010 along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach, the all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay will bring “grand estate”-style vacationing to the island of Great Exuma at the 500-acre resort that was previously a Four Seasons (www.sandals.com).

Following an extensive renovation, Tiamo Resort, the much-loved eco-retreat on South Andros island, will reopen on Oct. 20th, unveiling a new spa and rooming option - The Cool Cottages (www.tiamoresort.com).

Starting Nov. 18, Ft. Lauderdale-based Locair, an air taxi airline, will offer service between South Florida and Tampa, Fla. to The Abacos and Long Island, and flights from St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport to The Abacos (www.locair.net).

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08.14.09

Miss Universe: Swimsuit Show

Grand Bahama Island, Sunday, Aug. 9

All 85 contestants, led by Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, traveled to Grand Bahama Island, Sunday, Aug. 9 for a whirlwind tour and swimsuit show at Our Lucaya Resort. After a quick city tour, the ladies visited Garden of the Groves before getting down to work on the show. Their efforts were well received by the crowd that gathered at the resort to cheer them on, especially host queen Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman.

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08.10.09

Miss Universe Pageant Updates!

The 58th annual Miss Universe Pageant is underway in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Participants have been exploring Nassau and traveling to other Bahamian islands - including Grand Bahama Island, which hosted the swimsuit competition on Sunday.

Miss Bahamas leads Miss Universe contestants down Bay Street in Nassau

Bahamas leads Miss Universe contestants down Bay Street in Nassau (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

 

miss-universe-contestants-down-town-aug-709-136345

Miss Universe contestants wave for the camera in front of Nassau’s Government House (BIS Photo: Derek Smith)

 

miss-universe-in-bimini-aug-8-09-185384Miss Universe contestants take a day trip to Bimini (BIS Photo: Derek Smith)

 

miss-universe-in-grand-bahama-aug-9-2009-203353Miss Universe contestants walk the runway in Grand Bahama Island (BIS Photo: Derek Smith)

 

miss-universe-in-grand-bahama-aug-8-09-199142Current Miss Universe poses in Grand Bahama Island’s Garden of the Groves (BIS Photo: Derek Smith)

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07.23.09

INTRODUCING “CLUB GRAND BAHAMA,” THE WORLD’S FIRST ISLAND-INCLUSIVE VACATION

The Islands Of The Bahamas Redefine All-inclusive Vacations on Grand Bahama Island

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, Bahamas – July 6, 2009 – Where could travelers choose to sleep at one resort, feast on fresh local seafood and steaks at restaurants, snorkel and scuba dive top coral reefs, kayak through mangroves, sail and enjoy cocktails on the ocean at sunset and do it all without opening their wallets?  Nowhere, until now, with the launch of the first all-inclusive island destination.  The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has teamed up with the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to unveil Club Grand Bahama – a flexible, affordable travel (or holiday) experience that has redefined the “all-inclusive” vacation.

Travelers can book a getaway to Grand Bahama Island with absolute freedom of choice: deciding for themselves where to stay, eat and play for one set price. Breaking the mould on the traditional, individual resort all-inclusive vacation, Club Grand Bahama guests select accommodations at one of five resorts, including the conveniently located Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club, the boutique Flamingo Bay Resort & Marina, oceanfront resorts Our Lucaya Reef Village and the Radisson at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, or charmingly decorated harbor-side Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with roundtrip airport or harbour transfers to the hotel or resort of their choice. The package includes shuttle bus service connecting the guests to as many as 50 sports and recreational activities from golf and scuba diving to fishing and adventure experiences. The guests will choose from up to 21 dining venues for breakfast and dinner each day of their stay from seaside to elegant indoor dining; plus special beach parties; casino gaming; and exclusive shopping discounts. Club Grand Bahama vacationers will have options in their all-inclusive experience that span the entire destination. To satisfy varying budgets, Club Grand Bahama packages have been divided into Silver, Gold or Platinum levels, with the number of activities and dining options increasing exponentially with each level. Travelers purchase a package and then receive a Club Grand Bahama Card that will be activated at check-in and swiped for meals and activities throughout the vacation. Rates start at $88 per person per night for Silver; $149 per night for Gold and $198 per night for Platinum, excluding tax and resort fees. Complete Club Grand Bahama packages including transportation are now available. For those who wish to cruise to Grand Bahama Island, Discovery Cruise Line now offers Club Grand Bahama from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. On-site help will be available around the clock from Club Grand Bahama hosts, who will be stationed at all hotel locations and key attractions sites, as well as being available via a toll-free phone number, (888) 270-1205.

For information or to book a Club Grand Bahama vacation, visit www.bahamas.com or call 1-800-8-BAHAMAS. Located 55 miles from the coast of Florida, Grand Bahama Island offers a congenial atmosphere and soft-adventure water sports for travelers seeking a family-friendly getaway or romantic escape.  As the fourth largest island of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island is a 96-mile stretch of white sand beaches, colorful resorts, national parks perfect for nature walks and kayaking, and is home to the world’s largest underwater cave system.  To learn about Grand Bahama Island, call 1-800-8-BAHAMAS or visit Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

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Media Contacts:

Meredith Phares

Weber Shandwick

(212)445-8110

mphares@webershandwick.com

Terrance Roberts

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

(242)373-2582

troberts@bahamas.com

 

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