Nassau is just a short three-and-a-half-hour flight from Toronto and visitors can fly nonstop on Air Canada and WestJet this winter, plus Air Canada offers up to four flights per week from Montreal while WestJet operates once per week from Calgary, says Joy Jibrilu, CEO, Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board in this edition of Take 5. Read on for news about new properties, the destination’s can’t-miss attractions and more.
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1. What’s new in Nassau & Paradise Island that you want to make sure Canadian travel advisors know about?

“Nassau & Paradise Island are constantly growing and offer a variety of culturally rich experiences for visitors.

“We have welcomed two new culinary festivals to the island within the past year and a half – the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar and The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival at Atlantis. Both of these events showcase the unique culinary experiences of The Bahamas and bring celebrity chefs in for weeks full of delicious tastings, demos and events. In addition, the recently transformed Nassau Cruise Port highlights the culture of The Bahamas with a new Junkanoo Museum, a 3,500-person Amphitheatre for performances and shows, a living coral exhibit and unique local stores.

“For more cultural experiences visitors should be sure to visit the Queen’s Staircase, which the Promotion Board has adopted and is working on revitalizing. The Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, serves as one of Nassau’s most famous landmarks, and was hand-carved by approximately 600 slaves who used pickaxes and hand tools to carve out the steps. Decades later, the impressive staircase was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who had signed a declaration to abolish slavery.

“The new Goldwynn Resort & Residences also opened in February of this year – the first beachfront boutique resort in Nassau. Guests can enjoy a chic private retreat with easy access to beautiful white sandy beaches, luxurious accommodations and the onsite signature restaurant, OIA, fusing flavors influenced by Mediterranean specialties and Peruvian favourites.
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2. How easy is it to get to Nassau from Canada – what airlines will be flying Canadian travellers to Nassau this coming winter, and from what gateways?

“Nassau is just a short three-and-a-half-hour flight from Toronto and visitors can fly nonstop on Air Canada and WestJet this winter. As well, Air Canada offers up to four flights per week from Montreal while WestJet operates once per week from Calgary.

“In addition, Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Nassau beginning Dec. 15, making it easy for those in Vancouver to quickly fly into Seattle and then take a nonstop flight from there.”

3. For anyone unacquainted with the charms of Nassau & Paradise Island, what are some of the top attractions?

“Nassau & Paradise Island offer a variety of attractions, providing everything from entertainment and nightlife to rich cultural and beautiful beaches.

“Many are familiar with the resorts that are located throughout the destination, but Nassau and Paradise Island also offer a variety of can’t miss local spots that visitors should be sure to stop by.

“Arawak Cay, locally known as the Fish Fry, serves up authentic Bahamian cuisine with a community of restaurants that specialize in seafood delicacies with everything from conch to grilled shrimp and lobster tails. John Watling’s Distillery, located at the historic Buena Vista Estate is the perfect activity for rum lovers and history buffs alike, where they can enjoy a rum tasting and tour of the property.

“As mentioned above, The Queen’s Staircase is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nassau and offers a breathtaking view along with deep history of the island that can’t be missed.

“Visitors also must be sure to stop by Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant, the first five-star restaurant in The Bahamas and the preferred Bahamian dining spot of many celebrities. The property is also home to one of the largest privately-owned wine collections in the world and features a cigar rolling factory, chocolate factory and a beautiful photo-worthy pool.”
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4. What hotel / resort news do you want to make sure agents have on their radar?

“Sandals Royal Bahamian has recently launched its Island Inclusive off-site dining program, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the bold flavours and culinary traditions of Nassau as part of the all-inclusive dining program. Restaurants that visitors can go to include Bon Vivants, Cocoplum, Island Brothers and Sapodilla Estate.

“Atlantis Paradise Island will host its second Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival March 13-17, 2024 with unique culinary experiences ranging from walk-around tastings to family-friendly events, chef meet-and-greets, multi-course dining experiences and more. There will also be special performances by Wyclef Jean and DJ Kim Lee along with celebrity chefs hosting a variety of events.

“Baha Mar also recently hosted its second annual Culinary & Arts Festival Oct. 27-29, 2023 with unique culinary and cultural events from exclusive dinners and tastings with master chefs to intimate cultural conversations and much more.

“The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, will host a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars, along the palm-tree lined lawn at DUNE by Jean-Georges and at Ocean Blu with numerous food stations set up along the lawn and main pathway, as well as hosted wine, beer and cocktails. Live music can be enjoyed under the twinkling stars and swaying palms as guests ring in the new year.”.
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5. Does Nassau & Paradise Island have any special outreach for agents and why are travel advisors so important when it comes to promoting and selling The Bahamas?

“Our destination offers so many options and travel agents play the important role of helping their clients narrow down the many choices to create an experience that is perfect for their preferences. From family-friendly resorts to upscale, luxurious properties, travel agents can find something for every type of client in Nassau and Paradise Island.

“This past June, we hosted our annual International Travel Partners Conference, welcoming travel advisors to the destination to experience all that Nassau and Paradise Island have to offer. From site visits to interactive activities and time to enjoy the destination along with our partner properties, travel advisors had a real immersion in the rich culture and vibrant lifestyle of Nassau and Paradise Island, making it easy to sell the destination to their clients.

“We are excited to host ITPC again next year from June 24-28 to display our remarkable destination experiences and accommodations, while also balancing business and pleasure with evening dinners and entertainment, networking opportunities and destination updates.

“We are happy to work with travel advisors to arrange fam trips like this that will allow them to see what our destination has to offer their clients!”

For more information see NassauParadiseIsland.com