The partnership between Vacation Express, the Grand Bahama Promotion Board (GBPB) and Bahamasair is reportedly yielding positive results.

The partnership, which began on May 1 and will last until October 31 is expected to bring in thousands of tourists from Birmingham, Alabama; Raleigh, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio and increase the average night stay in the nation’s second city.

The inclusive air package includes a stay at Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort.

According to the GBPB’s Carmel Churchill, Grand Bahama is already seeing a huge economic difference.

“Since the introduction of the new flights into the destination, Grand Bahama is receiving an additional 4,650 new air seats monthly. What it means is that we now have increased hotel room occupancy, more use of our ancillary services and an overall increased interest for the destination in these getaways,” she explained.

In fact, Ms. Churchill said occupancy has increased by seven per cent YTD on May 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year.

Room revenue also increased by $3.2 million or 37 per cent, of which Memories account for $1.7 million or 54 per cent.
Ms. Churchill added that the GBPB is also looking to try other strategies to get heads in beds.

“The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board has engaged an international marketing agency that will be focused on developing and managing its digital marketing platforms, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Google,” she said.

“This initiative will allow us to reach our target market in a timely manner and communicate in meaningful ways while delivering to them valid content that is specific to their interest. With the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s focus on reengaging the travel agent industry, we are there with them each step of the way ensuring that the Grand Bahama Island brand is visible and able to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”

Betty Bethel of the Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama office also spoke about how beneficial the partnership is.

“I feel that the following reasons make the partnership beneficial: ownership of the air (Sunwing) and hotel (Memories Blue Diamond Resort) components, being one in the same, makes for the perfect recipe for success for Grand Bahama,” she said.

“Additionally, Sunwing has a reach in Europe through its parent company , Tui, which is the largest tour operator in Europe combined with its US based company, Vacation Express, broadens our base of potential guests from the US, Canada and Europe.”
Vacation Express is part of family-owned and operated Toronto-based Sunwing Travel Group.

According to officials, the company has sold well over two million vacation packages to exotic destinations.