The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation held a press conference yesterday, at the Sapodilla Restaurant to discuss the upcoming World Beauty, Fashion and Fitness (WBFF) event to be held on August 5th-10th 2019 at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar, with the Grand Finale to take place on the August 10th, 2019.
Based in Canada, the WBFF hosts shows all over the world, including in Europe, multiple states across the U.S., and even Hong Kong. Both amateurs and pros alike are encouraged to participate in categories over the 5 day event period. The WBFF is a "unique" event which hosts both male and female competitors, said WBFF Executive Vice President- Allison Dillett. There is even a 'Transformation Division' whereiby competitors are judged on their progress in the face of conditions such as cancer or obesity.
Present at the press conference panel was the Minister of Tourism, Dionisio D'Aguilar, who highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between this event and the Bahamas tourism industry. The beautiful setting of the Bahamas and the Baha Mar resort provided a perfect backdrop for an event which celebrates beauty and fashion (as well as fitness). The injection of revenue into mutiple sectors of the Bahamian economy was a notable aspect of the Minister's address, emphasising areas such as transport and restaurants in particular.
Also present was Elaine Pinder, owner of Sapodilla Restaurant. Ms Pinder referred to the event as a new idea for our tourism market, with its being televised and documented across several social media platforms (facebook, instagram etc.) maximising the potential audience for the event.
At the opposite end of the panel (far left in photo above) sat WBFF Pro Alicia Gowans from Australia whose evident passion for the event was reflected in her characterisation of it being a "platform of opportunity" and an "amazing environment".
When asked about the preparation required for competing in such an event, Ms Gowans said that a few weeks out, she begins to count her macros more closely, significantly reducing her fibre intake and other foods which can cause bloating or sluggishness. Whilst a water fast was a fixture of Ms Gowans preparation in the early days of her career, it is no longer a necessity. Ms Gowans only recently started to incorporate cardio into her fitness regime, with the focus on weight training earlier to build muscle mass which in turn burns fat faster.
Like many people in the fitness industry, Ms Gowans goes through cycles of bulking and cutting, wherein calories are initially increased in the 'off season' before being restricted in the cutting period.
The WBFF event will run from August 5th-10th 2019 at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar with a red carpet feature event on the 10th to be opened to the public. Tickets go on sale later this month. www.wbffshows.com.
By: Nina Schluter
Photos: Nicole- Paris McDowall
