A Bahamahost graduation ceremony is held twice a year – June and December in Nassau and Grand Bahama and as soon as is possible after sessions in the Family Islands.

This is usually a grand occasion and a once in a life time event for many successful participants.

The Minister of Tourism awards a personal Certificate of Achievement and name badge to designate the recipient a certified “Bahamahost.”

Recruitment for the sessions and collections of application forms are coordinated by the training director, personnel officer, supervisor or a person designated by an employer.

Other participants are invited to apply directly to the Industry Training Unit of the Ministry of Tourism by:

(a) Securing an “application for enrollment” from the Ministry of Tourism;

(b) Filling in the application form completely; and

(c) Submitting form along with a non-refundable registration fee of $100.00

On to Graduation

Increase self-awareness and self-confidence

Increase their knowledge about The Bahamas

Develop Interpersonal Relationship Skills

Improve Customer Relationship Skills

Improve Communication Skills

Enhance performance

Gain a working knowledge of the hospitality industry

Foster teamwork and networking

Increase earnings

Increase opportunity for career advancement

Persons applying to participate in the Bahamahost Programme are required to submit a completed application form and pay a fee (which is non-refundable).

Public Service Drivers or potential drivers are required to provide a copy of their road traffic license and a passport size photo.

The programme is free of charge to civil servants and high school students, who are enrolled in a class designed for them. It is not free if they enroll in a class designed for another group (i.e. hotel employee, PSD etc).

The philosophy which underlies the Bahamahost Programme is founded on the importance of the ideals of personal fulfillment, national pride and the high professional standards in The Bahamas' hospitality industry:

GOAL:

Our goal is to lay the foundation for establishing service quality excellence by imparting relevant information and knowledge.

AIMS:

(1) To create self-awareness and foster positive attitudes among those individuals engaged in the hospitality industry;

(2) To increase self-confidence by providing participants with accurate information and general knowledge on points of interest and events in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands;

The BahamaHost program is a certified course designed to establish a culture of service excellence and professionalism which results in delightful guest experiences, repeat business, and global recognition. This program is a training initiative designed to improve the efficiency of organizations and service professionals in the tourism sector.

The Bahamas Hotel Association marked its 50th anniversary in 2002.

Registered under the Companies Act as a private non-profit organization, the Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) is the official organization and national voice of the hotel industry in The Bahamas and for its allied membership of companies engaged in the hospitality industry.

The Bahama Out Island Promotion Board is principally responsible for the promotion of the Out Islands as primary tourism destinations and conducts marketing initiatives on behalf of its private sector members.

Marketing campaigns are executed through various media, including generic television and radio commercials, print collaterals, advertisements in consumer and trade publications (magazines, newspapers, etc.) onshore promotions, events, press and trade familiarization trips. The Board also facilitates cooperative branded tourism marketing efforts with the Bahamas government.