THE BAHAMAS FLYING HIGH AT INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SUMMIT

FORT LAUDERDALE Fl (November 12, 2009) – With more than 640,000 private pilots in the U.S. and some 48,244 in the state of Florida alone, the Bahamas is making every effort to capture its share of this lucrative niche and expose students to the aviation market through their creativity.

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Students from Bahamas Out Islands, (Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama and Exuma), took center stage at the recent summit of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Tampa, FL, distributing general aviation chocks to the aircraft owners and pilots in attendance.  The students were winners of an art competition that was launched by The Islands of The Bahamas Aviation Department.

 The winning artistically designed chocks, highlighted the uniqueness of the Out Islands and showcased the diversity of The Islands of The Bahamas.    Also distributing chocks and representing The Bahamas at the Summit were Bahamas Gateway FBO’s who partnered with TIOTB in the chocks program; Bahamian Hoteliers, and members of the Bahamas Aviation Council.

Statistical data indicates that during 2008, the visit of some 82,949 Private Pilots accounted for 476,593 room nights for the Bahamas, with the overwhelming majority going to the Family Islands. “I am convinced more than ever that we are heading in the right direction with our marketing plans for the aviation market,” Mr. Greg Rolle, Chief Aviation Specialist with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, recently asserted. To encourage even greater activity in the aviation market, the Bahamas has been using every means necessary to get its message to private pilots as follows:

  • Proximity to US (especially Florida);
  • Abundance of airports encourage island hopping;
  • Radar coverage/ flight following from US through TIOTB;
  • The beauty of the unspoiled Islands and Cays and
  • The simplicity of customs and immigration procedures.

    • The Chief Specialist boasted that, “we now see a complete turn-around of pilots. They are now giving personal testimonies of great experiences from Bahamas Customs Clearance, fling flight plans, to having full use of calling U.S. Customs with the new pilot’s phones at our airports.”

    Mr. Rolle, said about the recent AOPA summit that, “all pilots who stopped by the booth were speaking positively about the Bahamas General Aviation. The word is getting out that the process through Bahamas Customs, the ease of paperwork and entry requirements (to The Bahamas) have improved tremendously.” He also shared that, “this show (AOPA) saw an increase of interest from pilots from the west coast wanting information and who expressed their plans to fly to The Bahamas.”

    Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

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