In the second of three special episodes of TTG's Unpacked podcast, recorded live at WTM London in association with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, TTG's James Chapple sits down with newly appointed Director General Jackson Weech to discuss the destination's "gangbusters" year.

Weech's extensive career in hospitality has seen him work across the Caribbean and the UK, including spending 10 years overseeing one of Atlantis's hotel towers, before taking up his new role just over a month ago.

The conversation explores the Bahamas' strong tourism performance, with UK visitor numbers up 3.5% year on year and the Canadian market recording particularly impressive growth. 

Improved accessibility – including daily direct British Airways flights to Nassau – and the diversity of experiences available across the archipelago are driving demand, according to Weech, who also cites several destinations and specific cultural experiences that are worth agents knowing.

So, what's behind the Bahamas' continued tourism growth, why should travellers look beyond Nassau, and what makes its 700-plus islands so distinctive? Listen to the latest episode of Unpacked to hear the full story.