Latest news with #LatiaDuncombe
Business Upturn
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Caribbean Journal announces third annual Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards
Nassau, The Bahamas, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caribbean Journal , the leading publication covering Caribbean travel and tourism, has opened public voting for the third annual Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards, developed to spotlight those driving positive, forward-looking change across The Bahamas' tourism sector. Supported by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), the awards continue to honour Bahamian achievements through a regional lens. Now in its third year, the awards honour individuals, businesses and experiences that exemplify innovation, environmental stewardship, and community impact. Voting is open from 2 July through 2 September via an online ballot hosted by Caribbean Journal , with one entry permitted per email address. Winners will be announced during an official ceremony in Nassau this September. 'Sustainability is at the core of our tourism product, and we are proud to honour those setting new standards for environmental stewardship in The Bahamas,' said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Hon. I. Chester Cooper. 'These awards are more than just recognition—they reflect our national commitment to building a resilient and responsible tourism sector.' Spanning 24 categories, the awards highlight the best in Bahamian travel and tourism, including Destination of the Year, Best Boutique Hotel, Best All-Inclusive Resort, Best Chef, Best Cocktail, Sustainable Destination of the Year, and many others. Finalists were selected by Caribbean Journal 's editorial team, with winners determined by popular vote. 'CJ has chronicled The Bahamas' evolution for more than a decade,' said Alexander Britell, Editor and Publisher of Caribbean Journal . 'Partnering on these awards allows us to showcase the destination and the changemakers shaping its future—while engaging our global audience in celebrating the best of Bahamian tourism.' Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA, added, 'These awards provide a valuable platform to spotlight the individuals and organisations advancing sustainable tourism across The Bahamas,' said Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA. 'We're grateful to Caribbean Journal for creating this opportunity to celebrate authentic leadership, local excellence, and the evolving spirit of Bahamian hospitality.' Anchored in the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas continues to invest in a tourism model that safeguards biodiversity, protects coastal and marine ecosystems, and fosters inclusive growth across communities. The awards reflect this broader shift—celebrating not only excellence, but leadership in sustainability and innovation. To cast your vote in the 2025 Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards, visit About The Bahamas The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, including 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for international travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. About Caribbean Journal Founded in 2011, Caribbean Journal is the leading publication covering Caribbean travel and tourism, reaching millions of readers with daily news, destination features and insight on regional hospitality trends. Attachment Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Travel Weekly
24-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
2025 has been better for the Bahamas
Meagan Drillinger After welcoming an impressive 11.2 million international visitors in 2024, the Bahamas is wasting no time in keeping up the momentum in 2025. According to Latia Duncombe, director general for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, who addressed attendees at at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association conference in Antigua earlier this year, the destination recorded 3.3 million foreign air and sea arrivals in the first quarter alone, up 9% over the same period last year. Duncombe points to more than $10 billion in infrascructure investment, upgraded airlift and development that touches nearly every inhabited island. Reaching more islands than ever With more than 20 international airports serving the Bahamas' 16 actively promoted islands, including Cat Island, Long Island and the forever-popular Nassau, accessibility is one of the strongest levers driving growth. That access continues to improve in 2025, thanks in large part to Makers Air, the Fort Lauderdale-based flyer that is doubling down on its investment in Out Island airlift. Beginning Nov. 1, the airline will offer daily service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to New Bight, Cat Island, and expand flights to Stella Maris, Long Island, to three times per week. These updates not only bring more visitors to islands that were previously harder to reach but also reflect the growing traveler appetite for destinations that offer a more off-the-radar Bahamian experience. Beyond air arrivals, cruise travel continues to be a major driver of tourism income. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, cruise tourism generated $654.8 million in direct expenditures for the Bahamas during the 2023-2024 cruise year. When factoring jobs, taxes and other revenue, the total economic impact climbs to more than $1 billion, the association said. The Grand Lucayan Resort redevelopment, seen here in a rendering, will include three new hotel buildings, a megayacht marina, overwater cabanas, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 25,000-square-foot casino. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Concord Wilshire Capital The cruise sector's success has encouraged further infrastructure upgrades, with cruise lines investing in private island experiences and terminal enhancements across the archipelago. The Nassau Cruise Port, for example, is planning to add a $35 million waterpark complex. This is the next step following the $330 million redevelopment of the port in 2023 that included a new berth and revitalization of the piers. Coming attractions While the Out Islands gain steam, marquee developments are coming into key hubs like Grand Bahama and Nassau as well as farther afield islands like the Exumas. The $827 million redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort, for example, is a driving force. The sprawling project will include three new hotel buildings, a megayacht marina, overwater cabanas, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 25,000-square-foot casino, not to mention a family-friendly waterpark and upscale beach clubs. One of the most significant new projects is Amancaya, a $260 million resort and residences development by Aman, set across two private cays in Exuma. The resort will feature 36 rooms, a marina, a beach club, a spa and restaurants. No opening date has been set.
Travel Daily News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Bahamas brings its distinct experiences to Florida
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will launch a series of regional sales and marketing missions targeting one of its most lucrative and closely connected markets, Florida . A delegation led by the Honourable I. Chester Cooper , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will host events on 10 and 11 June, along with Director General Latia Duncombe and other senior officials. With the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale DMA recording the highest number of U.S. arrivals in January and February 2025, and year-over-year growth continuing from key cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Boca Raton, officials are determined to harness this momentum to secure long-term growth, deepen trade partnerships, and showcase the latest tourism innovations and development plans. 'Our mission to Florida is vital because it strengthens connections with a market that drives significant revenue into the Bahamian economy. By refreshing these ties and targeting key niche travelers we ensure that more bookings flow directly to Bahamian businesses and communities. This collaboration strengthens the bond between our two destinations, unlocking new opportunities and driving multi-destination travel that amplifies tourism's positive impact throughout The Bahamas. We are forging a future where tourism fuels sustainable growth,' said DPM Cooper. Following the launch of its latest advertising campaign, It's not one island, it's a lifetime of them, the Ministry and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. The team will engage with a broad range of tourism industry professionals including wholesalers, travel specialists, journalists, potential investors, airlines, and corporate partners. These strategic meetings will offer valuable opportunities to build connections with product specialists, participate in in-depth discussions during Q&A sessions, explore new product developments, and experience authentic Bahamian culture firsthand – complete with local culinary delights, rhythmic music, refreshing cocktails, and a lively Junkanoo rush-out. DG Duncombe added, 'Florida is a key market and an essential part of our growth strategy. These missions reinforce our most strategic partnerships and showcase the depth and diversity of product offerings across our 16 island destinations. Every engagement drives booking potential, unlocks new trade opportunities, and strengthens tourism's contribution to national development. That is the true spirit of a lifetime of islands.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Lifetime of Islands: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Brings News of its Distinct, Unforgettable Experiences to Florida Market
Nassau, The Bahamas, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will launch a series of regional sales and marketing missions targeting one of its most lucrative and closely connected markets, Florida. A delegation led by the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will host events on 10 and 11 June, along with Director General Latia Duncombe and other senior officials. With the Miami–Ft. Lauderdale DMA recording the highest number of U.S. arrivals in January and February 2025, and year-over-year growth continuing from key cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Boca Raton, officials are determined to harness this momentum to secure long-term growth, deepen trade partnerships, and showcase the latest tourism innovations and development plans. 'Our mission to Florida is vital because it strengthens connections with a market that drives significant revenue into the Bahamian economy. By refreshing these ties and targeting key niche travelers we ensure that more bookings flow directly to Bahamian businesses and communities. This collaboration strengthens the bond between our two destinations, unlocking new opportunities and driving multi-destination travel that amplifies tourism's positive impact throughout The Bahamas. We are forging a future where tourism fuels sustainable growth,' said DPM Cooper. Following the launch of its latest advertising campaign, It's not one island, it's a lifetime of them, the Ministry and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. The team will engage with a broad range of tourism industry professionals including wholesalers, travel specialists, journalists, potential investors, airlines, and corporate partners. These strategic meetings will offer valuable opportunities to build connections with product specialists, participate in in-depth discussions during Q&A sessions, explore new product developments, and experience authentic Bahamian culture firsthand—complete with local culinary delights, rhythmic music, refreshing cocktails, and a lively Junkanoo rush-out. DG Duncombe added, 'Florida is a key market and an essential part of our growth strategy. These missions reinforce our most strategic partnerships and showcase the depth and diversity of product offerings across our 16 island destinations. Every engagement drives booking potential, unlocks new trade opportunities, and strengthens tourism's contribution to national development. That is the true spirit of a lifetime of islands.' For more information on The Bahamas, log on to ### About The BahamasThe Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. CONTACT: Anita Johnson Patty The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism ajohnson@ Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bahamas Director General to Speak at CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas
Director General will share valuable insights at panel discussion on Caribbean Tourism NASSAU, Bahamas, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will speak at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas, set for April 3–4, 2025, in the Cayman Islands. As one of the most influential aviation industry events in the region, the CAPA Summit brings together global airline executives, tourism decision-makers, and policymakers for high-level discussions on the evolving air travel landscape. The event provides a platform for forging strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities for sustainable tourism growth across the Caribbean and the wider Americas. Director General Duncombe will be featured on a panel titled 'What is the Future of Caribbean Tourism?' where she will join fellow regional tourism leaders to share perspectives on the path forward for the region's number one industry. She will offer insights into how The Bahamas continues to strengthen air connectivity, embrace innovation, and align with global trends in luxury, personalization, and sustainability—while maintaining its unique identity and competitive edge. 'The Bahamas continues to lead regional conversations around air connectivity and tourism growth,' said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. 'Our participation at this year's CAPA Summit underscores our commitment to strengthening relationships with airline partners and advancing strategies that support long-term, sustainable tourism initiatives.' 'As the Caribbean tourism industry continues to expand, strategic air connectivity remains a critical factor in sustaining growth and enhancing visitor experiences,' said Duncombe. 'The CAPA Airline Leader Summit presents an invaluable opportunity for The Bahamas to engage with industry leaders, exchange insights, and explore collaborative solutions that will strengthen connectivity through increased airlift and reinforce The Bahamas' position as a premier travel destination. As we continue to elevate our tourism product, forums like these allow us to share our vision and explore new opportunities—ensuring The Bahamas remains top of mind for travelers seeking world-class experiences.' To learn more about The Bahamas, visit About The BahamasThe Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Media Contact: Anita Johnson-Patty Director Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Ajohnson@ Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@ in to access your portfolio
