Bahamas "People to People" Tourism Program Going International

Countries around the world hope to recreate the success of Ministry of Tourism’s signature People to People program, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe told ambassadors of the program at their appreciation reception.

The Ministry of Tourism thanked the volunteers of the 37-year-old program with a special reception. The ambassadors who regularly host visitors in their homes or churches were hosted to an evening of dining and music by Minister Wilchcombe and the People to People coordinators.

While many countries in the Caribbean delayed investing heavily in tourism, The Bahamas entered the industry early. This allowed The Bahamas to be a leader in the industry and countries across the region now really heavily on tourism, he said.

Minister Wilchcombe cautioned that Bahamians should not rely on past tourism successes. He said that the country has lost some ground in tourism and residents must ensure that they give the highest level of service to guests. Minister Wilchcombe said Bahamians ought to build future tourism success by concentrating on four items: sun, sand, sea and service.