MONTREAL — Top executives of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation were in Montreal recently to deliver the message that The Islands Of The Bahamas are open for business and ready to welcome Canadian travelers following Hurricane Dorian.

In partnership with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, the Bahamas Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar and Deputy Director General Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson provided key destination updates and offered travel industry media and partners critical education in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

Resorts taking part included Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Warwick Paradise Island and Sandals Resorts as well as the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board.

While two Bahamian Islands, Grand Bahama Island and The Abacos, rebuild after the devastation caused by the storm there are still 14 unaffected Islands, including Nassau Paradise Island and the Out Islands, that are open for business and ready to welcome visitors for a tropical getaway.

“The Bahamas is still ready to welcome visitors and we are delivering the tropical getaway that your readers and clients are seeking,” said Minster of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar during the luncheon. “The beautiful sun, sand and sea showcased by our fly away campaign are still just an airplane ride away.”

The BMOTA’s Fly Away brand campaign, launched in May 2019 and featuring Bahamian-American rock legend Lenny Kravitz, was front and centre at the Montreal event.

Destination partners also introduced new developments, including Air Canada’s increased airlift to The Bahamas.

Paul Strachan, Senior Director, Bahamas Tourist Office Canada, said that Montreal is the second most important Canadian market in terms of visitor arrivals to The Bahamas and that Air Canada has increased its airlift from Montreal to Nassau. Starting Dec. 20 Air Canada’s nonstop service will increase from twice a week to four times a week.

The best way Canadians can help The Bahamas is to plan a vacation to the destination.

Monetary donations to a reputable relief organization are also critical at this time for The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island. For a list of The Bahamas’ verified partners see bahamas.com/relief.