Aiming for once or twice weekly flight out of Colombia

The Ministry of Tourism in The Bahamas is working to promote air travel with Colombia, as part of efforts to woo more tourists from Latin America.

These efforts were advanced during the recent visit of Steven Johnson, general manager of the country’s Ministry of Tourism, to Medellín, Cali and Bogotá, Colombia. 

Johnson deemed the one-week Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Sales Mission a huge success and shared plans proposed for the launch of direct flights from the Latin American country.

Johnson revealed that plans are on the drawing board for the launch of direct air service from Bogotá into Grand Bahama, during the latter part of 2022. However, the plans are still ongoing with positive prospects.

Johnson highlighted that the conference, hosted by the Ministry in Colombia, featured dynamic educational seminars and meaningful discussions with travel agents who expressed strong interest in Grand Bahama Island.

The tourism marketer remarked: “We are looking forward to coordinating a touristic programme on the ground in Grand Bahama, for the Latin American market, one that involves direct airlift out of Colombia.”

He added: “Latin Americans are family oriented, and we really believe that Grand Bahama has the kind of product that they are looking for, from North to South to East to West. We have the foodie experience here and all the activities and tours that they can enjoy.”

He concluded that his Colombian trip was very successful, indicating that its promotional outreach to Colombia targeted media personnel, top producing travel agents, as well as tour operators and wholesalers.

The Bahamas Tourism Ministry organised, in Colombia, a series of educational seminars for media and travel trade professionals, hosted them to breakfast and lunch and held a few dinner seminars as well.

Looking at small summer flight

In the meantime, starting this summer, flight operators from Colombia anticipate bringing in a smaller flight of 20 seats once or twice a week from Colombia, connecting through Miami and then onto Freeport. However, these plans are not yet confirmed.

Johnson pointed to lots of opportunities in Latin America, noting that a once or twice weekly flight out of Colombia would assist The Bahamas toward filling its hotel inventory.

However, travel consumers in Latin America are eager to explore the range of experiences on offer in Grand Bahama: from fishing, diving, boating, romance and sustainable tourism product.

The tourism professional hinted at strong demand for travel among Latin Americans, saying this is an opportunity on which tourism stakeholders in Grand Bahama can readily capitalise.

He described Grand Bahama as an exciting destination that is ideal and well suited for Latin Americans, who are people that love to enjoy themselves.