The Bahamas is renowned for its palm-lined, sugar-sand beaches and oceans teeming with vibrant marine life. But while these postcard-perfect images are true, this diverse archipelago is far too often undersold as just a pretty cruise stopover. For clients wanting to get under the skin of this unspoiled, adventurous and welcoming Caribbean nation, a long-stay experience is the only option.
Here are three top tips on how to sell The Bahamas as an extended, multi-island adventure.
1. Emphasise the island diversity
It may be one country, but The Bahamas is made up of approximately 3,000 islands and islets – among them are 16 larger inhabited ones, all with their own unique character. That means there truly is something for every market.
Andros, the largest island, is home to world-class scuba diving, kayak-friendly mangroves, creeks and five verdant national parks, featuring more than 100 mystical blue holes.
The island of Andros is home to to over 100 Blue Holes
Nassau has the most established tourism infrastructure, and is a must-visit for nightlife, duty-free shopping and impressive golf courses. Combine this with the island’s rich history, art and culture, and your clients are in for a jam-packed holiday.
Travellers also often pair Harbour Island and Eleuthera, for a combination of pink-sand beaches and charming New England architecture, while Inagua is considered the birdwatching capital, home to more than 80,000 flamingos. These examples only scratch the surface of the extraordinary range this Caribbean gem can offer your clients.
2. Showcase its cultural authenticity
Travellers might be quick to assume The Bahamas is only a premium beach resort destination, but with deep-rooted culture and heritage, clients can immerse themselves in the more authentic side of the islands, too.
One of the best examples of this is the Junkanoo Festival. Taking place annually on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, the celebration showcases the country’s rich African heritage, with parades and parties filled with dancing, live music and colourful costumes. The main event takes place in Nassau, but celebrations can be found across the archipelago.
Your foodie clients can’t miss the delectable seafood flavours of The Bahamas. Cracked or chopped conch is a must-try, with fresh lobster and snapper fish stew among locals’ favourites, washed down with a rum cocktail.
The art scene is also booming in The Bahamas, with a new generation of artists bringing the islands’ to life through their creative works. Visitors can easily visit the locally curated art galleries, purchase original paintings to take home, or join a street art tour to understand the impactful stories behind the vibrant murals.
3. Highlight its sustainability values
The Bahamas are also an ideal destination to pitch to a growing market of eco-conscious travellers. Not only will a longer stay make the carbon emissions from their journey worthwhile, but the archipelago has also invested in a range of sustainable tourism and development projects.
A top priority is the protection of The Bahamas’ precious land and seas, with crucial coral reef and mangrove restoration taking place, alongside local conservation organisations contributing to the education and awareness of thousands of locals and visitors about marine ecosystems.
Inagua has a population of 80,000 flamingos
Resorts are getting involved, too – such as Sandals and Atlantis – setting up their own in-house foundations to protect ocean biodiversity and empower local communities.
When it comes to travel experiences, visitors are advised to choose from a range of eco-experiences when venturing out into nature, with local expert guides ensuring clients’ safety while also protecting the islands’ precious flora and fauna.
And don’t forget – agents can earn rewards
The Bahamas Tourist Office, London is committed to enhancing travel agents’ knowledge of the archipelago, with supportive marketing materials, fam trips and training modules that offer insight into the unique selling points of the archipelago. Better yet, bahamasrewards.co.uk provides an incentive programme – agents simply need to report their bookings for the chance of winning monthly and quarterly rewards valued up to £150.
