Grand Bahama Vacations

Offer Valid with a Three-Night Land-Air Package for Two Booked Through Nov. 2

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, The Bahamas – Sept. 28, 2011 – In celebration of its new, non-stop service to Grand Bahama Island, Vision Airlines, the nation’s newest big jet, low-cost carrier is offering vacation seekers in five U.S. cities the perfect excuse to hop, skip and jump over to The Bahamas for not-to-be-missed low fares.  Travelers from airports in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. can be in The Bahamas for just $1* per person, each way (plus taxes and fees), while those from Louisville, Ky., Richmond, Va., Raleigh/Durham, N.C., and Baltimore/Washington can take advantage of the same convenient, non-stop service for $29* per person, each way (plus taxes and fees).

The offer is valid for travelers booking a three-night, land-air package for two at one of 10 participating Grand Bahama Island hotels.  Packages must be booked by Nov. 2, 2011 with travel completed from Nov. 3 – Dec. 19, 2011.  Fares are limited, subject to availability and exclude restrictions, taxes and fees.  Participating hotels include:

•    Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina
•    Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
•    Island Seas Resort
•    Ocean Reef Resort & Yacht Club
•    Old Bahama Bay
•    Pelican Bay Hotel
•    Sunrise Resort & Marina
•    Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach

Grand Bahama Island is rich with options for vacations of all kinds, from family adventures or girlfriend getaways, to destination weddings, honeymoons and more.  The island boasts the perfect mix of relaxation and soft adventure, with miles of beautiful beaches, world-class resorts that fit every budget, unparalleled water-based activities and mouthwatering cuisine.

Vision Airlines service from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Louisville, Ky. and Baltimore/Washington begins on Nov. 3, 2011, with service from Richmond, Va. and Raleigh/Durham, N.C. launching on Nov. 4, 2011.  To book, please visit www.visionairlines.com or call 1-877-FLY-A-JET.  For more information on Grand Bahama Island, visit www.Bahamas.com or view the “Welcome to Grand Bahama Island” video on The Islands of the Bahamas You Tube page.

Located just 55 miles east of Florida, Grand Bahama Island is an easily accessible tropical getaway with a variety of cultural experiences, ecological wonders and nature-based activities, including kayaking, dolphin experiences, airboat eco-adventures, jeep safaris, scuba diving and bike tours. The destination provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar.  Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for VisittheBahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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*Restrictions, taxes and fees on $1* and $29* Fares–Fares do not include September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per U.S. enplanement, Airport passenger facility charges (PFCs) of up to $18 roundtrip, other government taxes and fees (including foreign taxes based on itinerary or billing address) of up to $190 USD may apply; total may vary slightly based upon currency exchange rate at time of purchase. All fares are per person, each-way based on round-trip purchase, require a minimum 3-night stay at a qualified resort purchased in a land-air package, and non-refundable. Fares must be purchased by November 2, 2011. Fares offered only valid for travel beginning November 3, 2011 and travel must be complete by December 19, 2011. The $29* and $1* Fares are limited, not available on all flights, and are subject to availability at the time of purchase. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Standard size bags may be checked for a fee of $15 each way.

Media Contacts:
Lauren                                              Anita Johnson-Patty
Weber Shandwick                         Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(212) 445-8303                                (954) 236-9292
llane@webershandwick.com        ajohnson@bahamas.com

The Islands of The Bahamas are back to business following Hurricane Irene, which made its way out of Bahamian waters Thursday evening, Aug. 25. Activities in the major tourism areas in Grand Bahama Island have resumed as normal. The country’s first destination wedding took place on, Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort in Grand Bahama Island.

All 28 government run airports throughout the country are back in operation, including the airport in Grand Bahama Island.

Cruise ports in Grand Bahama Island are open.  Calls to Grand Bahama Island have resumed.

Hotels, resorts and attractions throughout The Bahamas are open and accepting arrivals. Consumers are being advised to contact their prospective hotel for information.

(June 14, 2011) — Vision Airlines will reconnect Grand Bahama Island with direct air service to at least five (5) US cities beginning in November, the Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama office announced today.

Beginning November 3, 2011, Vision Airlines will provide non-stop jet service to Grand Bahama Island from a number of US cities, including Richmond, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Using a 136 seat Boeing 737-300 aircraft, Vision Airlines will add some 100,000 available seats annually to Grand Bahama Island in its first phase of operations.

David P. Meers Jr., Senior Vice President of Vision Airlines said “It has been very difficult and expensive to get to paradise. Vision Airlines’ partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the other stakeholders will change all of this beginning in November of this year”.

According to Director-General of Tourism David L. Johnson, “The new non-stop jet service and low cost price structure will favourably reflect Grand Bahama Island’s proximity as the nearest off-shore destination to the east coast of the United States”.

“If we shopped for tickets to Grand Bahama Island today” said the Director-General, “the best price round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale would be $259 including tax, but an average price of $340. When Vision Airlines starts, tickets will be available for as little as $89 round-trip, plus tax, or $199 including tax. And for travel to GBI combined with minimum 3 nights hotel stay”, he added “our customers will be able to fly free for taxes only!”

Providing additional examples, the Director-General said “From Louisville, KY to GBI, the lowest airfare today is $663, including taxes. Vision Airlines’ fares will be $392 including taxes; or, a savings of $542 per booking! Richmond, VA to GBI will be $382, including taxes versus today’s cost of $665. What this shows is that with the advent of this new Vision Airlines service, a 3 night stay on Grand Bahama Island with airfare, hotel and transfers will be typically less than today’s cost for airfare alone.”

“These non-stop jet flights also significantly reduce travel time from cities like Louisville, KY, Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA from some 7 to 10 hours, to in most cases, 2 hours or less. By realizing its proximity advantage through lower airfares and shortest travel times, it will go a long way to making GBI the destination of choice for vacationers in these markets seeking a beach holiday,” concluded the Director-General.

Established in 1994, Vision Airlines, is the US’ newest big jet, low-cost carrier.

Vision Airlines began with 1 airplane in Las Vegas, NV in 1994 providing Grand Canyon tours to tourists and presently operate a fleet of more than 20 aircraft expanding service to more than 15 US cities.  In the past two decades the company has grown significantly by achieving numerous milestones:

•    Today, Vision Airlines fleet consists of Boeing 767’s, Boeing 737’s, Dornier 328’s and Dornier 228’s.  This fleet of aircraft allows Vision Airlines the opportunity to match the right aircraft to the mission required.
•    Vision Airlines started as a Part 135 Air Carrier and has since become a Part 121 Air Carrier.  Vision Airlines is unique in that the company holds authority to operate as a Part 135 or Part 121 operator.
•    Vision Airlines started scheduled operations in December, 2010 and has since expanded its route structure to more than 15 cities.
•    Vision Airlines has more than 450 employees and has offices in Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV, Louisville, KY, Washington,DC and Destin, FL.
•    Vision Airlines grew its business as being a successful charter air carrier and the company continues to provide charter services to companies like: Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino, Funjet Vacations, Direct Air, US Government and a variety of other customers.

Vision Airlines is privately held and its long-term plans are to become a premier leisure destination airline.  The company serves popular tourist destinations such as Ft Lauderdale, Destin/Ft Walton Beach, Tampa/St Petersburg, Orlando/Sanford and Ft Myers/Punta Gorda.  The company will add Punta Cana, Cancun and Montego Bay through its agreement with Funjet.
These routes will originate in St Louis and start December, 2011.

The extremely low fares and packages, non-stop flights and close proximity of Grand Bahama Island will be a combination for which we believe consumers have been waiting.

As a part of their ongoing efforts in Film Development, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, in conjunction with the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, is pleased to announce “FLIFF On-Location:  Grand Bahama Island.”  FLIFF, now in its 26th year will take place October 21-November 11, 2011.  However, for the first time, the festival will feature an offshore component, ‘FLIFF On-Location’, here on Grand Bahama Island, October 27-30, 2011.

This inaugural staging of ‘FLIFF On-Location: Grand Bahama Island’, will be hosted at the brand new, state of the art Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel. The Festival will feature a wonderful array of programs and events, including:

·         Movies made in The Bahamas

·         Underwater Cinematography Workshop by award-winning cinematographer Paul Mockler

·         Independent Films & Films from around the world

·         Complimentary outdoor screenings

·         International Student Film Competition

·         And the Inaugural ‘Grand Bahama Youth Film Competition’ Winner’s Screening. A competition is for young filmmakers (aged 14 to 18 years old)

Visitors and residents alike will be encouraged to come out and enjoy the films and events on offer during the four-day festival. More information about screenings, special events, parties and seminars will be forthcoming as the festival dates approach.

Grand Bahama Island has many exciting and relaxing activities for you to have a wonderful vacation. Enjoy snorkeling, fishing, sight-seeing, gaming, dancing, dining and much, much more.  Click here to watch our cool new video and get a glimpse of what this great island has to offer!

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - The Swedish National Handball Team has chosen Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Grand Bahama, as the destination for a training camp from June 13-18, a first for the island. The 40-strong team will combine a series of hard workouts and weight training in the gym under the leadership of Coach Errol Bodie while also taking the opportunity to tour Grand Bahama and experience what it offers.Team Handball is a major well-known sport in Europe, but relatively small in North America. After Soccer, it is the biggest team sport in Europe, ahead of both ice hockey and basketball.

An indoor seven-a-side sport, it is a cross between lacrosse and basketball. It has been an Olympic sport since 1972. After the team’s stay on the island, members will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico for matches against the Puerto Rican Handball National Team. Sweden is host of the 2011 World Championships, the biggest sporting event in Europe for 2011.

Pelican Bay’s mother company, ‘Pandox’, is very supportive of the national handball team, and it is with these contacts that the hotel was able to attract this team to Grand Bahama.

“Sports tourism has enormous potential for Grand Bahama,” said Magnus Alnebeck, General Manager, Pelican Bay at Lucaya and also Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. “Last year, we were hosts of the 29ers and 49ers class World Championships in sailing. Our facilities can be used for these sorts of camps almost year-round. We are very happy to have created an interesting program for the Swedish National Handball Team, together with our partners, Coach Bodie, Grand Bahama Fitness Centre, Reef Tours, Underwater Explorers Society and the Ministry of Tourism.”

Article by The Nassau Guardian
Thursday June 10, 2010

Continental Connection, operated by Gulfstream Airlines, announces it is re-establishing its popular daily Freeport - West Palm Beach route. The Fort Lauderdale - Freeport route will remain in the schedule with up to five flights a day.

A spokesman for the airline, which already serves more islands in The Bahamas from the U.S. than any other international carrier, said its decision to reintroduce West Palm Beach flights was based on market demand. ” Gulfstream Airlines is focusing resources on serving those Family Islands which have been growing steadily in popularity among travelers from around the globe who largely connect to the charming and often remote treasures of The Bahamas through Ft. Lauderdale, their hub. That effort has had excellent results as it has helped to serve the islands and Gulfstream remains committed to continuing to do so.

Gulfstream takes great pride in providing service from eight destinations in Florida to 10 islands in The Bahamas, more than any other international airline. Now, in answer to repeated requests to offer the popular service to West Palm Beach for both leisure and business travelers, they are pleased to announce that they will offer up to five flights daily between Grand Bahama Island and Ft. Lauderdale and once-daily service to and from West Palm Beach, Florida.”

The popular Ft. Lauderdale-Freeport service will remain consistent with four flights on weekdays, five on Saturdays and three on Sundays. The flights depart from Ft Lauderdale as early as 8:05am and as late as 6:15pm, depending on the day of the week. The Freeport- Fort Lauderdale flights depart as early ad 9:10am and as late as 5:55pm. The Freeport to West Palm Beach service is slated to begin June 10 with a flight from West Palm Beach to Freeport at3:30pm daily and from Freeport to West Palm Beach at 4:35pm.

Gulfstream operates more than 140 scheduled, daily, non-stop flights to 24 destinations, serving approximately one million passengers annually.

Article by TheBahamasWeekly.com