Whether you’re booking families or couples on their next dream getaway, Nassau and Paradise Island will have everything your clients are looking for. In this week’s Take 5, we sit down with Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, to discuss airlift, new offerings, and why the destination should be top of mind among both families and couples.
1..How do Canadians get to Nassau in 2024? Is airlift back to pre-pandemic levels?
“Airlift is not only back to full capacity, but we have seen an increase in service. During the winter, from Toronto, Air Canada and WestJet both operate daily flights into Nassau, while during shoulder and summer seasons, these carriers operate up to five flights per week. From Montreal, Air Canada flies three times per week throughout the winter, and twice a week in October and November.
“Beginning on Nov. 25, WestJet will resume weekly Saturday flights from Calgary ,which will operate through May of 2025.
“Also, this coming winter, Alaska Airlines will resume non-stop flights from Seattle, Washington, (introduced in 20230, which is an ideal option for Western Canada vacationers.”
2. What’s new in Nassau that travel agents and their clients should know about?
“Nassau and Paradise Island are continually evolving, offering travellers an array of culturally rich experiences. Recently, the beloved British Colonial underwent a $50 million renovation and reopened in February of this year, complete with 288 guestrooms and suites, two oceanfront pools and a private beach. It’s an ideal getaway for families wanting to explore downtown Nassau, with major landmarks such as Nassau’s Cruise Port and the city’s straw market within walking distance.
“The Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, serves as one of Nassau’s most beloved landmarks, hand-carved by approximately 600 slaves who used pickaxes and hand tools to carve out the steps. Decades later, this staircase was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who had signed a declaration to abolish slavery. Recently, our Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, in collaboration with government officials, hotel partners and key industry partners, celebrated the unveiling of the newly updated and restored Queen’s Staircase following a $200,000 revitalization initiative that began in February 2024.
“Within the past two years, we have introduced two new culinary festivals to the island – the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar and The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival at Atlantis. Both events highlight the distinctive culinary experiences of The Bahamas, featuring celebrity chefs and offering weeks filled with delicious tastings, demonstrations and events.”
3. What makes Nassau and Paradise Island ideal for families?
“Nassau and Paradise Island are ideal destinations for families seeking unique vacations that immerse their children in the culture of a new place. Our resorts offer fabulous kids’ activities, waterparks and spacious rooms, complemented by numerous cultural offerings on the island for families to explore.
“Plus, Nassau and Paradise Island offer convenient access with a range of flights from Canada and year-round deals at our renowned resorts, allowing visitors to indulge in our destination’s breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.”
4. What are 3 family-friendly attractions/hotels that you would recommend?
“The Educulture Junkanoo Museum is an educational spot for families of all ages to learn about the history of Junkanoo and The Bahamas. This engaging museum features beautiful costume pieces, traditional fabrics, music and an interactive experience where visitors can make colourful masks and even meet a Junkanoo queen.
“Kids will enjoy observing flamingos and other animals native to the Bahamas at Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, or exploring the replica pirate ship at Pirates of Nassau Museum. Lastly, families can try their hand at making their very own sweet treat at Graycliff Chocolatier and experience how delicious chocolate is made.
“With five distinct hotels, from the iconic The Royal to luxury properties like The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island boasts outstanding accommodations and amenities for family fun, including Aquaventure water park, 11 pools and a variety of onsite restaurants. For travellers looking for something the whole family will enjoy, a stay at Baha Mar is also a great choice. This resort property offers families the option of three luxurious hotel experiences, 3,000 square feet of pristine white beaches and a luxe beachfront waterpark. Additionally, Margaritaville Beach Resort provides travellers with an escape that can be action-packed or laidback, with an exclusive beach and the exciting Fins Up Waterpark.”
5. What about destination weddings? Anything new that couples should know about?
Queen’s Staircase
“With crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Nassau and Paradise Island is the ideal spot for couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque destination. Whether couples are looking for an intimate affair with their closest friends and family, a lavish celebration at a luxury resort or a dreamy beachfront ceremony, Nassau and Paradise Island offers a variety of settings, no matter what type of wedding couples are looking for.
“A variety of resorts throughout the island offers event coordinators and wedding packages, leaving the stress of wedding planning up to the professionals and allowing couples to relax and enjoy their big day.
“Couples can customize their wedding to their preferences at Baha Mar, whether it’s a small ceremony on the beach or a grand celebration among the resort’s stunning grounds. Goldwynn Resort and Residences, situated on the beautiful stretch of Cable Beach, offers experienced event coordinators who can create beautiful and meaningful wedding experiences. The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, provides a romantic setting for vows. Stone pathways wind through the elegant Versailles Gardens, and the Beach Deck offers unobstructed views of the pristine beaches. Couples can also create a tailored package, ensuring everything from cocktails to the cake is personalized and expertly handled.”
