BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM & AVIATION ANNOUNCES NEW COPA AIRLINES SERVICE BETWEEN PANAMA AND NASSAU

BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM & AVIATION ANNOUNCES NEW COPA AIRLINES SERVICE BETWEEN PANAMA AND NASSAU

Addition of Carrier a Positive Sign for Tourism Growth

NASSAU, The Bahamas, 20 January, 2011 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has announced that Copa Airlines will begin nonstop air service from Panama to Nassau as of June 15, 2011, with both departing and return flights scheduled for travellers every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Copa Airlines has enlisted the aircraft Embraer E190 for the flights, carrying 94 passengers. The new flights will depart Panama City at 9:18AM, arriving in Nassau at 1:03PM and return flights will depart Nassau at 3:25PM, arriving in Panama City at 5:02PM.

The new service is expected to offer a President and Economy Class of service with some 84 seats offered in economy and 10 seats in the President Class Premium. The addition of the carrier to the region is expected to bring some 14,500 new visitors to The Bahamas in the first year and generate some 37,000 room nights that will boost hotel room revenues by just over $7 million in its first year. The potential spend in the economy overall from this service is estimated to be valued at just over $17 million.

“The new Copa Airlines service will attract more visitors from the Latin American region with immediate connections to and from The Bahamas. Expanding airlift with Copa, The Bahamas is aligned with a carrier offering the youngest and most modern fleet in the region. Direct linkage to their hubs provide leisure and business travellers from some 20 Latin American destinations direct access. This service will be a boost to not only our tourism sector but also our financial services and other business sectors," said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace.

Copa Airlines corporate executives made the announcement that passengers will now be able to have immediate connections to and from The Bahamas, points in Central and South America and Panama in a press conference earlier today. Addressing the public, Copa Airlines explained that not only does Nassau serve as one of the principal financial and business centers in the Caribbean, the island is also the hub of The Bahamas, providing direct access for travelers to visit and explore many of the destination’s 700 islands beyond Nassau and Paradise Island, including Eleuthera & Harbour Island, The Abaco Islands and Andros Island, among others, all offering world-class beaches. Visas are not required of Bahamians visiting Central and South America; or for residents of those regions bound for The Bahamas.

The Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board played a significant role in securing the new carrier, showcasing premium tourism product that provides great leisure appeal to visitors. Home to some of the world’s greatest resorts and hotels, including everything from the notable Atlantis on Paradise Island to the all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma to the historic Graycliff Hotel, Restaurant & Cigar Company, The Bahamas holds great appeal for travelers as well as investors and developers. The destination’s involvement in global events such as The Miss Universe Pageant, to which Nassau/Paradise Island played host in 2009, is also key in generating interest from important markets such as Latin America.
 
The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director-General of Tourism David Johnson advised that they are working aggressively to increase airlift in key markets that they feel will be stimulated with new nonstop or convenient, one-stop direct service. The addition of the Copa Airlines service is evidence of progress in this regard, opening up for the first time ever The Bahamas to every major South and Central American market, including Mexico.

The addition of Copa Airlines and their extensive network is a positive beginning for the new and expanded Lynden Pindling International Airport, which has set a long-term goal of establishing Nassau as a major air hub for the Caribbean and access point to the Americas. Stage one of the new airport, construction of a new U.S. terminal and pier is set to be open to the public for previews on February 26, 2011 and expected to be fully operational by March 5, said Vernice Walkine, VP of Marketing and Communications at NAD, operators of Lynden Pindling International Airport.

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 Contact:

Clarence Roll

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

242-302-2085

crolle@bahamas.com