(mas) – The island paradise of the Bahamas near the south coast of Florida is becoming increasingly popular with German-speaking visitors, as current figures show: From January to October 2008, 8,783 visitors from Germany came to the Bahamas. That corresponds to an increase of 50.83 percent compared to the previous year. The figures from Germany include a large incentive group with about 1,400 participants in August 2008. Adjusting the numbers to exclude this group of people, the number of visitors from Germany from January to October 2008 totals 7,383, corresponding to an increase in visitors of almost 27 percent. With a total of 1,402 travelers from Austria, the Bahamas were visited by 49.79 percent more Austrian guests compared to the respective time frame of the previous year. Visitors from Switzerland amounted to a total of 3,422, bringing about an increase of 17.55 percent compared to the preceding year.
Until the end of 2008, a total of 16,000 visitors are expected from German-speaking countries, with 10,200 visitors coming from Germany, 1,700 visitors from Austria and 4,100 guests from Switzerland. In comparison, the year 2007 saw a total of 12,010 and the preceding year a total of 10,390 visitors to the Bahamas from the source markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The following overview is a summarized selection of news from the holiday paradise of the Bahamas which are of interest for travel agencies, tour operators and holiday guests for the planning of future trips.
New connection: Yellow Air Taxi flies to Abaco
The regional airline Yellow Air Taxi will be providing a new air connection from Melbourne Airport in Florida to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay on the Bahamian island of Abaco, starting 18 December 2008, on five weekdays excluding Thursday and Wednesday. Flights are carried out in a Cessna 402. Further information on the new air connection and other flights to different Bahamian islands are accessible under www.flyyellowairtaxi.com.
New attraction: Bacardi opened first concept store in Nassau
The premium rum distillery Bacardi opened its first theme oriented concept store world wide on the famous Bay Street in Nassau. The unique „Bacardi Store“ offers duty-free Bacardi products and accessories in a special ambience. Along with rum rarities like the „Bacardi Reserva Limitada“, there are premium spirits from the whole range of the Bacardi portfolio, including Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Dewar’s Scotch Whisky and Cazadores Tequila. A selection of quality accessories comprises caps, shirts, sports bags, umbrellas, hand towels and other products exclusively available at the Bacardi Store in Nassau.
New guest houses: Andros, Long Island and San Salvador
A new guest house opened at Kemp’s Bay on South Andros: the „South Andros Beach House“. The main house comprises three bed rooms, two bath rooms, a kitchen and a living room. The beach house features another bed room with adjacent bath room. Long Island gained three new guest houses: The „C Shell“ comprises five guest rooms, the „Long Island Breeze Resort“ opened with four rooms and is planned to grow further, and the „Ocean View Villas“ offer five rooms with bath room. 14 guest rooms with bath room were formed in eight buildings in Sands Residence Hotel on San Salvador.
Fresh air: Sheraton to be smoke-free
From 19 December 2008 on, the „Sheraton Grand Bahama Island at Our Lucaya Resort“ will be positioned as a completely smoke-free hotel. In the course of the conversion, all rooms and hallways will be freshly painted and the hotel’s entire plumbing system will be replaced.
Modern Landing: Airports in Nassau and Grand Bahama to be expanded
The arrival hall of Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau is currently being modernized for 400 million US Dollars. A new US terminal building is scheduled to open after the first phase of reconstruction, followed by the extension of terminals for international arrivals and domestic flights. The modernization is supposed to take place without interfering with the ongoing air traffic and is scheduled to be completed by 2011, at the latest. On Grand Bahama, the sector for domestic flights will be expanded by approximately 4,500 square meters. The extension includes additional check-in counters, a new seating area for 600 passengers, a new expansion of security facilities, a lounge for smokers, a new catering area, new baggage conveyor belts, automatic doors, a canopied sidewalk and new office spaces. The completion of reconstruction is scheduled for March 2009.
Background
The island paradise of the Bahamas, south east of Florida, has much more to offer than one could discover in a single vacation. The Bahamas are considered to be one of the most diverse destinations in the Atlantic, for each of the 15 islands developed for tourism has its very own, distinctive charme. Be it reclusive, dreamlike sand beaches or the colorful and vivid life in Nassau – there is something for everyone. Adventures in nature are abundant, and culinary treats are an integral part of Bahamian life. Duty-free shopping opportunities are to be found particularly in Nassau and on Grand Bahama. Sports are as much part of the daily routine as total relaxation. All this is the result of the connection of influences of the western world with the unique Bahamian island flair and the spirit of its inhabitants. Following its motto „It’s besser in the Bahamas“, the island paradise surprises both individualists and families with diverse holiday opportunities. More information can be found under www.bahamas.com.
