Black Enterprise and The Bahamas, a Spirited Team

Plantation, Florida - The Bahamas was front and center at Black Enterprise’s inaugural Black Men Xcel Summit (BMX), as hundreds of influential African American men and women from across the United States came together for a multi-day celebration of enlightenment, empowerment and excellence. Held at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the event featured some auspicious speakers including actor, director and filmmaker, Robert Townsend, former NBA player Penny Hardaway, actor, Lamman Rucker, television personality Stephen A. Smith and comedian Chris Spencer.

The Ministry of Tourism, by mandate of Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, has set an agenda to increase the amount of African American visitors to 15%, and as a part of that agenda, the Bahamas continues to maintain their strong media relationship with Black Enterprise. The ministry recognizes that the followers and subscribers of Black Enterprise represent the top tier of business executives and influencers.

Mr. Linville Johnson, Director of Multicultural Market for the Ministry of Tourism, was excited to be a part of the first Black Men Xcel Summit, and optimistic about the partnership between the Bahamas and Black Enterprise. “We are always excited when we partner with a credible organization like Black Enterprise. This particular summit being the first of its name, and so creatively executed, I think it gives us an opportunity to create some great leads. These summits are always informative, always multifarious and more importantly, always productive.”

Johnson went on to mention that it was out of last year’s Women of Power Summit that the “Girls Weekend Getaway” was birthed. This getaway, hosted by Black Enterprise, is now planned for Spring 2018, in Bimini Bahamas. The trip was initially planned for October 2017, but was postponed due to hurricane Irma. Reports state, that additional group leads were generated and the Bahamas continues to gain popularity in this sector of the market.

Adding to this, Johnson mentioned the relevance of attracting the African American male traveler. He identifies that the Islands of the Bahamas offers that which appeals to the adventurous male. Along with the shared heritage and cultural allure, the Bahamas offers unrivaled experiences in golfing, scuba diving, sport fishing and boating.

The summit offered everything from Paint and Sip to a Grooming Lounge – sponsored by Walmart – where men could go and get professional haircuts and shaves. A full scope of different panels included those such as, “Black Men in Hollywood” and “Why we Love Our Black Men”, which was intended for the female audience. The Bahamas partnered with Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and was the sponsor of a three-day, two-night, getaway to the beautiful billion-dollar resort, during one of those panels.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism continues to diligently build and expand their relationships with key groups in the multicultural market. Plans are already in motion to step up it’s efforts even further to cultivate strategic partnerships, garner faith in the African American people, and welcome their cousins home to the Bahama Islands.