FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –June 14, 2019 – Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Joy Jibrilu, led the Bahamas contingent at the recent Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Week 2019, in New York City.
The Bahamas team under the leadership of the Director General included the local staff of the Bahamas Tourist Office, New York as well as a Bahamian culinary team that represented The Bahamas in CTO’s Annual Rum and Rhythm Festival.
The annual week of activities in New York City is organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. CTO has long held that the event which draws tourism officials, industry executives, the media, the Caribbean Diaspora, travel agents, consumers and students is an opportunity to “showcase the best of Caribbean tourism.”
Pictured at the Caribbean Tourism Awards Dinner during the CTO Week in NYC 2019 is The Bahamas Tourist Office New York's Team with Director General Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Joy Jibrilu. From Left to right: Valery Brown-Alce, Sr. Director Marketing; Jeff Rodgers, Manager Sports Tourism Marketing; Mikala Moss, Area Manager, New York; DG; Ebianna Smith, Senior Executive; Chrystal Bethell, Marketing Co-ordinator; Vandia Sands, Marketing Representative.
In addition to taking part in many of the week-long activities and events, the Bahamas Tourism’s top executive, DG Jibrilu also provided interviews with various local media houses and Caribbean newspapers. The event also provided an opportunity for the Bahamas DG to be a part of a Caribbean Marketing Conference for Ministers, Commissioners, Directors of Tourism and other Industry Representatives.
At the Media Marketplace during CTO's Caribbean Week NYC 2019, Bahamas Tourist Office, New York's team with Bahamas Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu. L-R: Valery Brown-Alce, Senior Director; Vandia Sands, Marketing Representative; DG; Chrystal Bethel, Marketing Co-ordinator and Mykala Moss, Area Manager, New York.
According to CTO, The week in New York is organized annually to combine business sessions and consumer-oriented events with food, fashion, entertainment, sales and networking opportunities and overall “create awareness of the Caribbean’s diverse product offerings.”
A popular event annually, The Rum and Rhythm (scholarship benefit) featured the traditional and national dishes and drinks from CTO member countries. The Bahamian culinary team headed by Chef Kermit Mackey prepared Conch Empanadas, Coconut Flavored Shrimp and Grits, Pulled Pork on Plantain Chips, Mini Rum Cakes and Bread Pudding, all inspired by Bahamian flavors.
=At the Rum and Rhythm Event during the recent CTO Week NYC 2019. L-R: Vandia Sands, Marketing Representative; Jewel Johnson, assistant to the Chef; Chef Kermit Mackey; Ebianna Smith, Senior Executive and Chrystal Bethel, Marketing Co-ordinator.
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ABOUT THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone, from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles, with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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Media Contact: Jeannie Gibson jgibson@bahamas.com
