According to the Nassau Guardian Online, Special Olympics Bahamas (SOB) is preparing for its National Track & Field Championship to be held this Saturday, June 2 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track & Field Stadium and Swimming Championship to be held at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex.
Athletes of Special Olympics Bahamas (SOB) from Grand Bahama, Long Island and host island New Providence are expected to show off their ability in swimming and track & field at the annual championships. These teams have been training all year and the athletes are looking forward to every competition opportunity.
Admission to these events is free and fans will have the opportunity to mix with the numerous 'Special Athletes'.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Special Olympics Bahamas This Weekend!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Looking for a Secluded Paradise?
You don't have to look very far, the Out Islands of the Bahamas has some of the world's most sought after secluded beaches. Take your pick from any of the Out Islands, the Abacos, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, the Exumas or Long Island, each is home to white and pink sand beaches surrounded by crystal blue waters.
Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacos was voted one of the top 10 Caribbean beaches by Caribbean Travel & Life. Eleuthera’s Harbour Island Beach was rated one of the world’s best beaches by The Travel Channel and “the most gorgeous beach in the world” by Forbes magazine. With a three mile stretch of powdery white sands, Cape Santa Maria Bay & Beach on Long Island is also among the most sought after beaches in the world.
Whether you want to be isolated and enjoy the sun or if you want to go on an underwater adventure, you'll find what you're looking for on all of the Islands.
Learn more about what to do on each of the Out Islands:
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Slowdown of Tourism in the Bahamas
The rate of repeat visitors to Nassau and Paradise Island was just 51.8 percent and in Grand Bahama, 54.6 percent, substantially lower compared to 65.7 percent for the Bahama Out Islands.
According to the article published today in the Bahama Journal, the Minister of Tourism and Aviation Neko Grant said these low numbers should make Bahamians concerned why a large percent of visitors are not returning to The Bahamas.
Tourism is the number one industry driving The Bahamas and a plan is in place to help increase repeat visitors to The Bahamas. For starters, the FNM government has already commitment to increasing the level of Bahamian ownership of tourism-related enterprises, and according to Mr. Grant the government will implement a policy to empower Bahamians to participate in the Tourism industry. Other provisions to come will be requiring foreign investments the maximum use of Bahamian-produced materials and increase development of tourism and hospitality education and training.
The Out Islands, experiencing a higher rate of repeat visitors than Nassau and Paradise Island, are at forefront of Mr.Grant's plan to increase tourism in all the Islands. He stated they will add entertainment programmes and take a more business approach for small hotels and cause for improvements to airport facilities in the Out Islands.
Read the complete article Tourism Minister Concerned About Low Repeat Visitor Numbers
Visit The Bahama Out Islands.
2007 Bahamas International Travel Partner Conference
The eleventh annual “International Travel Partners Conference” (ITPC) will be held on May 20 - 23, 2007 at The Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. Sponsored by The Islands Of The Bahamas, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board and The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board, it is the most comprehensive marketplace of tourism products for the destination and an event not to be missed.
In attendance will be distribution channels from around the world. Suppliers of Travel Service – Ministry of Tourism and Promotion Board Officials, Senior Hotel Executives, and Ground Transportation Companies.
The ITPC is an exclusive invitation-only event. On Tuesday, May 22 will be a one day Marketplace with pre-scheduled business appointments with suppliers and tour operators. Pre and post optional tours to The Bahama Out Islands and Grand Bahama
Island are available at a small fee. Activities and site inspections on Nassau Paradise Island will be arranged on request. The Islands Of The Bahamas’ first annual Weddings & Honeymoons Conference will run simultaneously with ITPC.
To read this information and more visit the Bahamas ITPC 2007 web site.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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."Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Winner Announced of the Cool Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas Contest
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!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Bahamas Diving Association debuts Mobile Phone/PDA web site
Point your mobile browser to the new mobile device web page debuted by the Bahamas Diving Association - which allows visitors to download multimedia dive files to their mobile phone or PDA. But, be warned, the page is formatted specifically for mobile browsers - so don't expect much of it if you go there now. :)
The page features incredibly clear and amazing dive videos for Andros, Exuma, Harbour Island and Long Island - all located in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
The Out Islands are known as a scuba diver's paradise. It's hard to compete with water so clear, wildlife so abundant and fantastic dive sites like Blue Holes, pristine reefs, "bottomless" wall drop offs and an assortment of wrecks and other attractions.
These new videos give you a "taste" of what you can find. Check 'em out.
2007 National Family Island Regatta – Exuma, April 24-29
Since 1954 George Town, Exuma has played host to this Bahamas tradition. Each year during April, Elizabeth Harbour is transformed by the presence of locally-built traditional Bahamian racing sloops that come from islands all over the Bahamas. The competition is fierce and the atmosphere is alive with excitement as boating enthusiasts the world over descend on this picturesque island in the sun. The boats are beautiful with a huge sail area and hiking boards for the crew to scramble on to balance the boat against the force of the wind in her sail. It is a festive time with fun, food and other activities taking place in and around the hotels, restaurants, and bars in the area – with camaraderie beyond belief!
Visiting Exuma at this time is the highlight of any trip. Everyone is swept up in the pageantry, excitement and energy of the events of the week.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Out Islands of The Bahamas is Home to Dream Wedding Locations
If you are a couple looking to getting married in the Bahamas, you will find your dream wedding location in the Bahama Out Islands! The Out Islands are the most remote islands of the Bahamas. With nine uniquely different islands to choose from, each island is home to top wedding destination resorts offering world class amenities such as waterfront accommodations, private beaches and romantic sunrises and sunsets.
Great Abaco Island and Long Island are just two of the Out Islands that are home top destination resorts offering great vacation packages for couples getting married in the Bahamas.
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour offers their signature Abaco Romance Package to couples. This package is complete with 4 days and 3 nights oceanfront accommodations, flowers, champagne, his and her massages, a private beach picnic, a romantic dinner by the beach, and much more! For $799 a person, this is an ideal package for couples looking to plan their dream wedding in the Bahamas.
Green Turtle Club Hotel, Resort & Marina also located in the Abacos, has been a dream wedding location for over 35 years. Their Turtle Escape Packages offer 3 days and 2 nights waterfront accommodations along with breakfast each morning overlooking White Sound Harbour and romantic candlelit dinners each evening. Whether you choose from a standard waterfront room or upgrade to a deluxe club room, the packages are moderately priced under $300 per person.
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort located on Long Island, offers the ultimate Honey Moon in Paradise Package. This package is complete with 4 days and 3 nights oceanfront accommodation, champagne, a fruit basket, massages for two, conch fritters each evening at happy hour and complimentary use of kayaks and bicycles for outdoor fun. For couples planning their wedding before April 30th, this package is $399 per person and $297 per person from May 1 to August 28 and November 3 to December 20.
For more top destination wedding resorts in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, please use the links below:
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Upcoming Events in the Abacos
If you are planning a trip to the Abacos in the upcoming weeks, there are some great events to look forward to!
Less than a week away is a concert not to miss! The Barefoot Man will perform on March 25th at Nippers Beach Bar & Grill. Barefoot Man has been performing in the Abacos year after year and as always this is a free concert. Nippers Beach Bar & Grill is located at the Great Guana Cay.
Two annual homecomings will be held the weekend of Friday, April 6th to Monday, April 9th. At the Cedar Harbour Homecoming Festival and the Grand Cay Homecoming Festival locals and visitors will gather to celebrate the community's heritage with games, cultural activities, food, and fun!
During the same weekend is the annual Abaco Sea Show at Cherokee Sound in the Abacos. On Saturday, April 7th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., enjoy a magnificent display of Bahamian shells along with delectable Bahamian food, games, prizes and an afternoon of fun!
To plan your weekend in the Abacos, check out vacation packages, hotels and more local attractions.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Third Annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival
Last year's was great, and the year before that was fantastic. But, the Ministry of Tourism and residents of George Town, Exuma promise that this year will be even better!
It's the Third Annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival - March 15-17th. Once again, being held in Regatta Park in George Town, Exuma. Although, as before, no park could ever hold the enthusiasm and energy produced by this event.
The best of Bahamian music will be featured, including appearances by K.B., Avvy Mortimer and Ancient Man - to name just a few. The streets of George Town will come alive with Bahamian music and cultural demonstrations and competitions of onion peeling, storytelling, bread baking, and straw weaving. And no Bahamian festival is complete without a full Junkanoo appearance!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Delta Adds Two Bahama Out Islands Destinations to Flights Starting This Summer
Visiting Eleuthera and Exuma, Bahamas Just Got Easier with Delta Adding Two More Bahamian Destinations
Visiting Exuma Bahamas or Eleuthera Bahamas just got easier for vacationers, since Delta Air Lines announced new nonstop service from Atlanta, GA to these two Bahamas tourist attractions. The new flights will start at a perfect time for those vacationers wanting to spend their summer vacation in the Bahama Out Islands.
Beginning on June 16th 2007, Delta Air Lines is adding two new routes between Atlanta, GA and George Town, Exuma and North Eleuthera. The new flights will be operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) through Delta’s largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, GA.
Margie Schneider, Director of Strategic Planning & Marketing for the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board, states, “The Out Islands have long been an unexplored beautiful paradise because of accessibility issues with visiting Eleuthera and Exuma, Bahamas. But with these new Delta flights coming from Atlanta, more and more people will have a chance to find out why these Bahamas tourist attractions offer a truly unique and breathtaking experience.”
Flights to and from Exuma will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays departing at 11 a.m. and arriving on the island at 1:26 p.m for the outbound flight. The return flight will leave at 2:06 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 4:36 p.m. Service to and from Eleuthera will be on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. The outbound flight will leave Atlanta at 11:15 a.m. and arrive on the island at 1:26 p.m. The return flight will leave at 2:06 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 4:21 p.m.
More flight information for these new Bahama Out Islands destinations can be found at www.delta.com.
Use the following links to help plan your Bahamas holidays vacation:
- The Exumas - where to stay and what to do while you're there.
- Eleuthera/Harbour Island - where to stay and what to do while you're there.
- General info on the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bahama Out Islands Presents Top Rated Web Marketing Solutions That Help Improve Tourism in Bahamas At South Florida AMA Event
Top Rated Web Marketing Solutions Help Improve Tourism for Bahama Out Islands
Margie Schneider, Director of Strategic Planning & Marketing for Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board, will explore top rated web marketing solutions that help improve tourism to the Bahamas at the South Florida American Marketing Association event “Creating Online Success in the Travel and Hospitality Industry.” The event will take place on February 22, 2007 at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
During the panel event, Ms. Schneider will unveil the Bahama Out Islands top vacation hot spots and discuss top rated web marketing solutions that help improve tourism in the Bahamas. Travel and hospitality has been one of the most competitive online marketing sectors for many years with more than 91 million Internet users making online travel reservations in a recent year.
The AMA event also includes panelists from Spirit Airlines, Royal Caribbean and others who will share how their companies succeed in this competitive online marketplace.
The panelists include:
• Michele Piernick, PM, Manager, Interactive Marketing for Spirit Airlines, Inc.
• Margie Schneider, Director of Strategic Planning & Marketing for Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board
• Josie Llado, Senior Marketing Strategists for Avenue A Razorfish & previously she directed digital and direct marketing programs for Royal Caribbean International
• Moderator: John Lawlor, johnlawlor.com
To register for the event visit www.amasouthflorida.org
To learn more about tourism in the Out Islands of the Bahamas please visit www.MyOutIslands.com.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Bahamas Fishing Regulations Protect Marine Resources
Following in the footsteps of other marine wildlife-conscious regions, the Bahamas recently announced modifications to its sportsfishing regulations. These regulations will continue to allow sportsfishermen to enjoy the exceptional abundance of the Bahamas, while ensuring preservation and protection of fish and other marine resources for future generations.
Bimini, the "Big Game Fishing Capital of the World", is one of the most popular destinations for sportsfisherman. These enhanced regulations promise the bountiful sealife surrounding the waters of Bimini, and all of the Islands of Bahamas, can be enjoyed by generations to come.
New Travel Requirements
New U.S. government regulations require all adults and children (even newborns) to have a valid passport for all international travel by air.
Effective on January 23, 2007, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), new requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere.
So what travel documents are acceptable for US Citizens under the WHTI?
- US Passport
- The Passport Card (Pass Card)
- SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, & the US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document
Have questions about the the new travel regulations and obtaining a passport? Check out these helpful links below:
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