The Bahamas Works To get Back on Track Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria

NASSAU - Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a devastating impact on many parts of the Caribbean and on several southern islands of The Bahamas, including Ragged Island. The thoughts of all at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) are with those in our islands and throughout our region who were adversely impacted by these storms. However, it is important to communicate that The Bahamas’ major tourism centers were minimally impacted and are operating as usual.

Working with industry partners, the BMOTA has been aggressively reaching out to travel and lifestyle media, news reporters, meteorologists and travel trade media, among others, to provide regular updates following the storms. Updates to Bahamas.com and social media channels inform consumers directly about conditions in The Bahamas. Media outreach has spanned multiple continents with press releases and direct
updates targeting the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and broadly in Latin America.

These press statements have relayed important information including key updates from airports, hotels, seaports and marinas. Further, post-Irma images showed newly arrived guests and the state of the product in main tourist hubs. Consumers in key markets are being targeted through digital content that will provide them an update on what they need to know about travel to The Bahamas now as the BMOTA works on multiple
channels to counter the dominant story of Caribbean devastation.

BMOTA efforts in the coming weeks will continue to communicate through media outreach, media visits, media blitzes in key markets, digital and sales initiatives that the experiences that attract so many to The Bahamas – fishing, boating, beautiful beaches and leading hospitality – are unaffected. The media strategy aims to be research and data driven, highly targeted, intuitive, cutting-edge, consistent and effective. The
launch of cutting-edge digital and social media campaigns, in key designated marketing areas will help inspire travellers to chose the Island Of The Bahamas.

Our marketing strategy across all mediums will be integrated and tailored towards the desires of past and prospective visitors. The campaigns, whether it is PR or paid media will be designed to inspire and to invite discovery of our 16 islands, our culture, heritage events, cuisine and natural wonders.

"We are thankful that most of The Islands of The Bahamas escaped severe damage not once, but twice this month," said Hon. Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. "Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with all those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but we also realize that these hurricanes can impact us greatly if there is an inaccurate perception that we are not able to offer the hospitality so valued by our visitors."

Our southern islands sustained damage ranging from minor in places such as Crooked Island, Inaugua and Mayaguana, to more severe damage on Ragged Island and Acklins Island. The safety and well-being of residents and guests on these islands are of utmost importance.

Cooperation with destination partners continues to play a critical role in post-Irma and Maria communication and recovery efforts.

"We are thankful that The Bahamas has generally weathered the storms well, but we continue to work closely with our industry partners to evaluate the conditions across all of our islands and gather updates for travelers," said Director General Joy Jibrilu.