The Bahamas Meeting the Growing Demand of Eco-Tourism

With eco-tourism growing up to 34% a year – three times faster than the tourism industry as a whole, The Out Islands of the Bahamas offers eco-friendly hotel and vacation packages to support growing eco-tourism worldwide. Vacationers living an eco-friendly lifestyle confirm this stating that eco-tourism is important to them when they travel.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the welfare of local people.”

Many hotels in the Out Islands of The Bahamas have proactively responded to this increase in awareness and are working to make eco-tourism in The Bahamas a priority. Several hotels have started by offering eco-tours and some have gone further by replacing light bulbs with more energy efficient florescent bulbs to installing solar power systems.

Tiamo Resorts in South Andros, Bahamas, is one of the most earth-kind resorts in the world. Tiamo is the first full service resort utilizing 100% solar energy for its electrical needs. From the initial design and construction of the resort to guest education and their immense community involvement, Tiamo Resorts has received several internationally recognized awards for their contributions to eco-tourism in the Bahama Out Islands.

Peace and Plenty Resorts in Exuma, Bahamas, also has an extensive eco-tourism mission in The Bahamas. They go one step further by educating their employees with an ‘eco’ training program. They also educate their guests by providing information about walking tours of George Town and by hosting two cocktail parties a week were local residents have the chance to make presentations to their guests about Exuma. They also ask guests to buy carbon credits on their website to offset the carbon produced by traveling to Exuma and as well as having a guest rebate program for any guest contributing to the Exuma Foundation, the local 501(c)3 charity that is dedicated to helping Exumian people have a better life.

Powell Pointe Resort at Cape Eleuthera in South Eleuthera, Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort in Long Island, and Hotel Higgins Landings in the Exumas also offer an eco-friendly vacation to travelers. Upcoming improvements are planned for Fernandez Bay Village on Cat Island which currently offers vacationers eco-tours.

To read more on what The Out Islands of The Bahamas offers vacationers living an Eco-friendly lifestyle, visit www.MyOutIslands.com.

Celebrate Bahamian Music!

Everyone knows the Bahamas are known for their breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, powdery white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and sensational sunbathing! But for a true Bahamas experience add in traditional Bahamian music to the mix! Bahamian music is upbeat and infectious - characterized by a unique sense of humor and undeniable romance. There is simply no other music like it in the world!

Want to hear some true Bahamian music right now? Visit The Bahama Out Islands and enjoy two songs by Bahamian artist Kirkland Bodie. Popularly known by his stage name, K.B., he is a winner of the prestigious Cacique Award for his hit song, “Civil Servant”, available as a download along with another one of his hits "Da Toters."

First Annual Bimini Bay Resort Food Festival

Enjoy Bahamian Cuisine during the BXRL07 Fishing Tournament Hosted by ESPN2

On April 28, 2007 at 6 p.m. Bimini Bay Resort and the Bahamian Culinary Team have partnered to host the First Annual Bimini Bay Resort Food Festival, led by President of the Bahamian Culinary Association Chef Wayde Sweeting and his staff. April 28 starts the filming of ESPN2 “tag-and-release” series BXRL07, Billfishing Xtreme Release League Tournament, a $2 million “winner-takes-all” event.

The Food Festival will offer guests an assortment mouth-watering Bahamian food featuring seven cooking stations with cracked conch, grouper, conch fritters, jerk fish and more and carving stations of sirloin, rack of lamb and pork.

Bimini Bay is an upscale resort community in the Bahamas featuring 135 vacation rentals comprised of condominiums, loft-like tree houses and single family homes. Their amenities include a full-service marina, infinity pool, grille, Swedish and Thai massage services, children’s playground and a fine dining restaurant overlooking the ocean. Bimini Bay Resort rates range from $250 per night for a studio, based on double occupancy, to $950 per night for a four-bedroom oceanfront home. Bimini Bay Resort in the Bahama Out Islands is located 48 miles East of South Florida, a quick 20-minute plane ride or 1.5 hours by boat.

Come out and join in the great Bahamian food, activities and watch the filming of the fishing tournament!

Tickets for the Food Festival are $20 for adults and $10 for children. For reservations and tickets, please visit Bimini Bay Resort.

For information on the BXRL07, Billfishing Xtreme Release League Tournament, visit www.BXRL07.com.

More information about the Food Festival and the BXRL Tournament

Out Islands of the Bahamas Private Pilot Packages at Sun 'n Fun Lakeland Event

The Out Islands of the Bahamas Showcases Popular Private Pilot Packages at Sun ‘n Fun Lakeland, Fl Aviation Event

The 33rd annual Sun ‘n Fun event marks the beginning of the 2007 aviation year. The event takes place from April 17 through April 23 with more than 500 commercial exhibits, including the Bahama Out Islands, Ladies Pavilion, Parts Exchange, a static display aircraft and a daily air show.

The Bahama Out Islands will exhibit their popular private pilot packages at this aviation enthusiast event. Private pilots flying to the Bahamas receive an array of benefits including no landing fees for single engine aircraft, no overtime customs and immigration fees, and simplified paperwork. From private and government airports to a fly-in resort at Hawk’s Nest on Cat Island, the Out Islands offer many options to flying in the Bahamas.

Recent improvements have been made to airports throughout the islands making flying in the Bahamas easy for private pilots. Phones have been installed at all airports for free calls to customs and currently solar operated emergency lighting is being installed at all government airports. There are also three FBOs at North Eleuthera Airport on Eleuthera Island, Marsh Harbour Airport on Abaco Island and Stella Maris Airport, which was resurfaced and reopened July, 2006, on Long Island, Bahamas.

For more information about the Sun ‘n Fun Event in Lakeland, Florida visit www.sun-n-fun.org.

To learn more about The Out Islands of the Bahamas and the private pilot packages they offer, please visit http://www.myoutislands.com/ or call 1-800-OUT-ISLANDS today.

Winner Announced of the Cool Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas Contest

First Winner of the Win A Trip to the Bahamas Sweepstakes Gets a Weekend Stay at One of the Out Islands’ Vacation Resorts.

The Out Islands of the Bahamas announced yesterday that Alisa Messner from Holyoke, Massachusetts is the first winner of their Win A Trip to the Bahamas Sweepstakes!

Alisa Messner is the first of four winners who will receive roundtrip airfare for two from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Fl, and a 3-day/2-night stay at one of six top vacation resorts in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. Three more winners will be chosen this year, one on each of the following dates; June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2007.

To enter the Win A Trip to the Bahamas Sweepstakes and for complete terms and conditions go to www.MyOutIslands.com/contest.php today!